Jill Goodman’s son, Dean, used to lug around a “big and clunky” black box that helped him communicate. The now 11-year-old Orlando resident was diagnosed with autism as a toddler and is described by his mom as “marginally verbal.” When the iPad was released in 2010, Goodman jumped at the chance to obtain the portable tool for her son to “talk” and learn through applications on his own terms. “Apps are usually developed by therapists and other experts,” said Goodman. “The iPad doesn’t get impatient with users or raise its voice.”

With 1 child in 88 being diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who work with children with autism are taking advantage of technological advancements as interactive, convenient tools to help with all spectrums of the disorder. “Technology has been useful to support children lacking good communication skills,” said Dr. Teresa Daly, director of the University of Central Florida’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. “It’s something they can use as a bridge so they don’t get stuck on or overwhelmed by any one thing.” Gone are the days when children with autism needed multiple flashcards decks for communication, or parents tediously creating visual storyboards to help their child visualize the steps of a morning routine. Children with autism, according to Dr. Daly, additionally benefit with the use a keyboard or touch screen rather than a pencil. “Over time, technology has become more portable and normalized,” she said. “It’s helped (children with autism) fit in and improved their social status.”

Dr. Daly says technology can do more than just help a non-verbal child communicate with the world. Children across the autism spectrum can use pictures to build their vocabulary, redirect their frustration, and entertain themselves while in public places, such as church or restaurants. Some children wear an earpiece to receive coaching from a parent or mentor as they learn appropriate social interaction, such as buying groceries. “It’s good not to hover over them,” she said.

To bolster technological options at her son’s school, Goodman is encouraging Palm Lake Elementary to invest in educational apps for the iPads recently purchased with private funds from the Parent Teacher Association. Goodman is qualified to determine which apps are best; as reviews editor for SmartAppsforKids.com, she tests apps for handheld devices. Goodman, who owns around 2,500 apps, spends upwards of 15 hours exploring each one just to offer helpful feedback for both the consumer and the developer. “It started out from wanting to help my kids communicate better,” explains Goodman, whose brother is also autistic. “I’ve lived it and breathed it for a long time.”

Both Goodman and Dr. Daly have their preferred apps. Dr. Daly recommends iPrompts, a steps program using visual support, schedules, and picture prompting; and also Model Me Kids, a series of videos that showcase appropriate behavior in social situations. Goodman, who regularly engages her son in her testing sessions, favors programs from the Mobile Education Store, which specializes in language apps including sentence and preposition builders. “This company addresses the full range of the autism spectrum and aids with age-appropriate conversations about bullying, drugs, and how to ask a girl to prom,” she said.

Goodman also recommends Smarty Ears, which was founded by a speech pathologist and specializes in parts of speech, such as receptive, expressive, and pragmatic, by using games. “Because of funding issues, you don’t get one-on-one speech therapy at schools. It’s done in a group setting,” she said. “These apps enhance therapies.” Smarty Ears also allows a therapist or teacher to collect data electronically as the student uses the app.

Goodman called Autismate “a one-stop shop” and expects it to be the top autism application in the next six months. “It’s going to be huge,” she said. “It has the capability to do anything – embed video, create scheduling, and utilize text and visuals.” While this app costs $150, according to iTunes, Goodman points out that it contains multiple programs, whereas users previously accessed several other apps which end up costing just as much. “You’re getting 15 different programs in one app! I’ve been very impressed with their long-term plans. As soon as you update it, you’ll gain all the new elements, too.”

While Dr. Daly advocates the use of technology for children on the autism spectrum, she acknowledges that it’s only one tool, and thus, they should also be exposed to other methodology, such as sensory interaction, occupational therapy, and social skills intervention. “In order to work with a child’s autism, you need to use all of these areas,” she explained. “Technology is a tool more than an intervention. There are lots of different treatments for autism and nobody, thus far, has done a comparison (on which method is best).”

Studies show that children of all abilities can experience a learning set-back during the summer months due to a lack of routine, often referred to as the ‘summer slide’. However, children with special needs are at a greater risk of losing academic skills along with social and behavioral gains during the summer timeframe. Download appropriate apps for your children of all abilities to combat the summer slide.