# What are the best apps for BCBAs and ABA therapists?

> The types of tools ABA teams use, what to look for in each, and questions to ask before you buy.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/best-apps-for-bcbas
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Most ABA teams use a few types of tools: practice management and billing software, session data collection, visual support apps for clients, AAC apps for communication, and tools for caregiver training. The best choice depends on your setting and size. Look for tools that fit your workflow, protect client privacy, work offline in homes, and keep the same supports across clinic and home.

**Key takeaways**
- Most teams combine **practice management, data, visual supports, AAC** and **caregiver training** tools.
- Choose by **workflow fit**, **privacy** and **offline use**.
- Use the **same visual supports** in clinic and at home.
- **Pilot** with a small team before rolling out.

## What types of apps do ABA teams use?

| Category | What it does | Look for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Practice management and billing | Scheduling, authorizations, billing, EHR | Payer support, reporting, integrations |
| Session data collection | Trial, frequency, duration and interval data; graphs | Fast entry, offline mode, clear graphs |
| Visual supports | Schedules, first-then, choice and token boards | Real photos, simple for kids, home use |
| AAC | Communication with symbols or speech output | Vocabulary growth, SLP collaboration |
| Caregiver training | Teaching families and documenting it | Structured notes, same tools as home |

Well-known practice management and data platforms include CentralReach, Rethink, Motivity and Catalyst. Compare demos, pricing and support for your setting; we don't rank them here.

## Why do visual support apps matter?

Visual supports are an evidence-based practice for autistic learners.[1] Apps make them easier to personalize with real photos, update quickly, and use the same way at home and in session.

## What about AAC?

AAC apps give learners a way to communicate now. Choose and set them up with the learner's speech-language pathologist.[2]

## What should I ask before choosing?

**Try:**
- Where is client data stored, and who sees it?
- Does it work offline in homes and schools?
- Can families use the same tools at home?
- How long does it take an RBT to learn?

**Skip:**
- Apps with ads in client-facing screens
- Tools no one on the team was trained on
- Rolling out everywhere without a pilot

**Privacy is an ethics issue.** Confidentiality and documentation are part of the BACB Ethics Code.
  [3] Follow your organization's security policies with any tool.

## Where does The Autism Kit Pro fit?

The Autism Kit Pro is a visual supports and caregiver-training tool for iPad. It gives every BCBA and RBT the same visual schedules, first-then, choice and token boards; lets you run caregiver training on the tools themselves; and drafts a structured note for you to review and sign. Client data stays on the iPad, and it works alongside your existing EHR.

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] List the tools your team uses now and the gaps
- [ ] Write your privacy and offline requirements
- [ ] Book two demos and run a small pilot

Want your clinic to try it? Read [How do I request The Autism Kit Pro for my clinic?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/request-the-autism-kit-pro)

## Common questions

### Is there one app that does everything?

Rarely. Most teams pair a practice management system with specialized tools for data, visual supports and communication. Check that they export or connect cleanly.

### What should I ask about privacy?

Where client data is stored, who can access it, whether it works without sending data to the cloud, and what your organization's security policies require.

### Are free apps OK for clinical use?

Some are, but check privacy terms, ads and data practices carefully before using any app with clients.

## Sources

1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf
2. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
3. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: Ethics codes (confidentiality and documentation). https://www.bacb.com/ethics-information/ethics-codes/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.