Screens are not always the best ways to handle your children, but they can come with some advantages. With the right tools, a tablet or computer can become something useful to your child. Apps, games and programs can also augment therapy and development for children with autism. There is also hardware that exists to make the life of a parent or caregiver easier. Technology has transformed how we approach learning, communication, and daily life for children with autism in Toronto. 

Here are ten innovative ways to use technology to support their unique needs and strengths.

1. Interactive Bots

We are officially living in the era of the Jetsons. There are now virtual robots like Milo available to help your child. This useful bot was built to engage children with autism in learning and social interactions. These simulations are programmed to use predictable behaviours and clear communication. This makes them ideal for teaching emotions, expressions, and routines.

2. Assistive Wearable Technology

If you have a child that likes to wander off, you might want to look into tech that has tracking functionality. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches with location settings or notification features, can support children with autism in managing routines and safety. There are also mini GPS trackers for children with autism that are available. Having one sewn into your child’s backpack or jacket can bring you some peace of mind.

3. Social Skills Training

There are apps out there that are designed to make your child feel more comfortable and confident in group settings. This technology works to simulate social scenarios that require necessary social skills. Games like Social Adventures or apps like Peek-a-Pak introduce concepts such as turn-taking, greetings, and understanding emotions through fun, guided activities.

4. Communication Tools

There are ways to improve upon the spoken word. Children with autism often face challenges with verbal communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, such as iPads with communication apps like Proloquo2Go, enable non-verbal children to express themselves using symbols, text, or speech output. These tools build confidence and foster interaction.

5. Educational Apps

There are customized apps that can make learning fun. Endless Reader and ABCmouse are apps that focus on reading, math, and language skills through interactive games. These platforms often incorporate visual support and repetition, catering to children with autism who thrive on structured learning and predictable patterns.

6. Sensory Regulation Software

At Monarch House we are acutely aware of children’s sensory sensitivities and we try to come up with workaround solutions to them, including technology. There are apps that can help children with autism with sensory processing challenges. Programs like Sensory Room or virtual reality (VR) experiences create calming environments where children can explore sights and sounds without overwhelming stimulation.

7. Behaviour Tracking Apps

Some technology is designed for the adults and caregivers in the life of a child with autism. For parents and therapists, tools like Behaviour Tracker Pro help monitor behavioural patterns, identify triggers, and track progress over time. These insights can help to create strategies to address challenging behaviours effectively.

8. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

The future is here. Children can now interact with augmented reality from the comfort of their homes. Just put on a headset, and VR and AR can provide immersive environments to teach real-world skills in a controlled setting. One can simulate scenarios like crossing the street or interacting in a café with apps like Floreo VR. The idea is to help children practice certain tasks safely before facing similar situations in real life.

9. Video Modelling

Showing by example is one of the best ways of teaching. Children with autism often learn well through visual means. Creating custom videos or using platforms like Model Me Kids enables them to watch and replicate positive behaviours or life skills, such as preparing meals or brushing their teeth.

10. Games for Executive Functioning

You can improve the cognitive development of a child with autism through technology as well. Apps like Cognifit Autism Cognitive Training focus on enhancing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These games improve executive functioning, helping children with autism manage daily tasks and transitions more effectively.

Every day, new inventions hit the market that can help the lives of educators, therapists, and parents of children with autism. Technology offers endless opportunities to empower neurodivergent children. However, it’s essential to choose tools suited to each child’s unique abilities and challenges. Parents and educators should collaborate to ensure the chosen technologies align with developmental goals, promoting learning, communication, and independence in meaningful ways. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff or occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists. Working together we provide a holistic approach to therapy for your child. By integrating these tech solutions into daily life, we can create a supportive environment where children with autism in Toronto thrive and reach their full potential.