Autism support has drastically changed in the past few years, with more emphasis being placed on holistic methods than ever before. This is due in part thanks to the tireless work of autistic advocates, who, critically, are autistic themselves. It is thanks to the voices of the community that care and support are changing, allowing the next generation growing up autistic to have the support, guidance, and love that they need to live independently and truly as themselves.
One of the big game changers in terms of autism support is the arrival of autism support apps. There are so many ways that these apps for autism are changing autism support entirely, simply by giving caregivers and autistic individuals the ability to access support tools at any time, in the device in their pocket.
Want to learn more? Here’s just how apps are changing autism support for the better:
Direct, On-Demand Access to Licensed Therapists
Some apps for autism give you direct access to licensed therapists whenever you need. This can particularly help caregivers starting to change their parenting style, since you may not understand how to handle their child’s meltdown or other challenging behavior. Having that direct access can also help support your child, since it helps empower parents to react in a supportive manner designed to help guide the child through the meltdown and back into a calm mindset.
Build Up Vocabulary
One of the most challenging symptoms of autism for both parents and the children in question is selective mutism. This makes it hard for parents to understand their child’s needs and makes it challenging for the child to express themselves. They may end up becoming frustrated, and lash out as a result.
That’s why building up vocabulary and providing children with a communication tool is so important. Several apps are also available, from Autism 360 to Prologquo2Go, and beyond. These apps can be used to help children learn how to put words to their feelings, and also use a text-to-speech tool to communicate if they can’t bring themselves to do so verbally.
Behavioral Tracking
It can be difficult to see if there’s a change in a child’s mindset or their behavior when you start with therapy and using support tools. That’s because so many environmental factors, including things like diet, can also impact how a child’s day goes.
By using a behavioral tracking app like Autism Tracker Pro, you can track so many different elements of your child’s day. This can help you visually see how changes in your child’s routine or therapy options are positively or negatively impacting your individual kid. With all this information, you can make better decisions for your family.
Decision-Making
It can be hard for any child to think through their behavior in advance. That’s why it’s so important to help children learn through consequences. With autistic children, this can be done with apps like Choiceworks, since it helps them learn while they are in a calm and open state, rather than worked up mid-meltdown.
With these apps, children can work through social stories designed to help them make better decisions. They even have the chance to make real-world decisions about themselves, such as their schedule for the day. This way it can help them plan, be self-aware, and make better decisions in terms of their time management and how they behave throughout the day.
This post was written by Bill Clark. Bill is a freelance journalist who specialises in writing about culture and the arts, however will write about anything that piques his interest including business, travel and lifestyle. He can be reached on Twitter @BilboClark01.
