I was asked by a reader recently to review or list apps for children with special needs or autism. I did some research and read some articles poking around to learn the landscape. I could put some of the apps through the usual tests of design, interface, ease of use, and features, but I wouldn't know if it works well for the intended audience or accomplishes what it seeks to help the end user do.
What I decided to do was compile some resources that I felt could help the parents of autistic children find apps that have been discussed or reviewed by competent authorities.
First is a searchable database of apps for persons with autism spectrum disorder created by Autism Speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-apps the website gives all pertinent information but what stands out is that they give it a research rating of anectdotal, research, or evidence.
A website called Autism Plugged In http://www.autismpluggedin.com/ does reviews of apps, toys, and provides links to grants for iPads. The website also earns, raises, and donates money for Autism research. With thorough review, screenshots, and videos they show test drives of the apps by the intended audience to make sure they are a good fit.
The website Best Apps for Kids has very thorough reviews of apps for all children. They did a special review of apps that are meant to help autistic children communicate and learn. http://www.bestappsforkids.com/category/kids-apps-by-category/special-education-apps/autism-apps/
Care.com has a great article about Autism apps that discusses the myriad of special need apps and the problem of trying to discover the ones your child needs. They explain a lot about apps that I think is important for everyone to know. All the apps that they focus on in the article are the best for what they do and have been recommended by experts in that category of helping children
https://www.care.com/a/22-best-mobile-apps-for-kids-with-special-needs-1205211605
Smithsonian Magazine did an interview with a company called Infiniteach about their app called Skill Champ. They questions about their app, it includes screen shots and a video showing it being used. It sounds like a useful app and it is a great read
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/these-apps-help-kids-with-autism-learn-basic-skills-180954400/?no-ist
Finally, I do have one app to suggest. It is an app that has reviews of other apps. It is called Autism Apps by TouchAutism.com available for iPad and iPhone. It gives all the basic information: description, features, platform, price and links to reviews from Autism Epicenter, Autism Plugged In, and Squidalicious. Users can sort apps by platform, price, or rating. Screen shots and videos of actual users test driving the apps help parents make an informed choice.
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