Apps for Kids with Special Needs and Learning Disabilities

Math

Communication Challenges Overview

Speaking, listening, and communicating are essential for school and social life, but many kids struggle to master these skills. For kids with challenges such as speech and language impairments, communication can be particularly difficult. Of the more than six million kids age 3–21 with special needs in the U.S. public education system, over one-fifth received services for speech or language disorders (U.S. Department of Education, 2011). Here, we provide suggestions for identifying and addressing kids' challenges with communication. We also offer tips for finding effective apps and a list of related resources.

Common challenges

Listening to and understanding what others say
Using language to communicate and interact with others
Speaking clearly enough to be understood

Common signs

Having trouble pronouncing certain sounds and/or combining sounds to form words
Appearing defiant when in fact he or she is having trouble understanding what people are asking him or her to do
Getting frustrated because he or she can't find words to share needs and ideas

Ways to help

Wait, watch, and listen; allow kids enough time to speak for themselves.
Use gestures or simple signs to help kids understand what you're saying.
Encourage kids to tell stories and share information with others.
Repeat what kids say to help ensure you understand -- and so they can hear their words again.
Talk about what you're doing while you're doing it when you play or work with kids.

What to look for in an app

Opportunities for kids both to listen to words and respond with speech
Clear and descriptive audio instructions and positive language
Directions that are clear and easy for kids to understand
Options that let you change the rate of speech or the sound of a recorded voice
Settings that let you change the level of language difficulty to match kids' abilities

Learn more

Communication Matrix: an easy-to-use initial assessment tool for people of all ages
Communication Development in Children with Language Delays: a range of tools, including a list of signs to help identify a language delay, as well as articles to help parents and teachers better understand kids' communication needs
The ABCs of Child Development: Developmental Milestones for Your Child's First Five Years: a map to help you follow kids' developmental milestones from birth to age 5. The section on communication skills provides helpful insight into language development for young kids

Our sources

Experts consulted

Melinda Techler, speech language pathologist and reading specialist
Ali Steers, speech and language pathologist, Chime Charter School, Woodland Hills, Calif.

Power Tip

Encourage kids to point to pictures in SoundingBoard. As they connect images with audio, they build better understanding of the words.

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Avaz Pro

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app empowers nonverbal kids to communicate and customize. Color coding and child-friendly voices make it a go-to. Comes preloaded with everyday words, such as "stop," "yes," "no," and "sorry."

iPad

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First Phrases HD

Pricey but easy-to-use language-development tool provides effective practice for two- and three-word phrases. Great for kids with expressive or receptive language delays. Simple but entertaining graphics perfect for kids who need a clutter-free screen.

iPad

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Fun With Directions HD

This easy-to-use, interactive app can help kids understand a variety of directional concepts. Three levels meet a variety of needs for kids with cognitive or intellectual disabilities.

iPad

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Go Talk Now

Easy-to-use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app allows nonverbal kids as young as 5 to communicate by tapping images representing words. Communication books can be customized using photos, text, voice, and video.

iPad

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Kid in Story Book Maker

Here's an easy way to create visual stories to support learning and social modeling -- with your kid as the star character! This app is great for kids with intellectual disabilities or with autism.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Power Tip

Encourage kids to point to pictures in SoundingBoard. As they connect images with audio, they build better understanding of the words.

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Common challenges

Common signs

Ways to help