10 Useful Apps for Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Apps for Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Children with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other special needs face a lot of challenges in overcoming their daily tasks. With technology becoming an inseparable part of our lives, and the incredible advancements in assistive technology more and more children can use these tools to excel and reach their true potential. Today we will be talking about some apps for learning disabilities and ADHD that are making the lives of children and parents somewhat better.
Technology if used wisely, can be used effectively to aid children in coping with some of their symptoms. As much as it is important to be aware of our child’s digital consumption, it is even more essential to learn to streamline their daily digital dose into something meaningful. With the correct use of these apps for learning disabilities and ADHD, parents can bring about positive changes in helping children with special needs in overcoming some of their challenges.
A lot of apps for learning disabilities and ADHD have been developed specifically to cater to the needs of these children, or those who are on the autism spectrum. Below we list a few generic apps which are helpful for kids with special needs and can be used as learning tools, time-management tools, and even some that help practice mindfulness. It can be a little inundating to step into the world of countless apps and have numerous options to choose from, so we are here to help. Here is a list of interesting and helpful apps for learning disabilities and ADHD that can help you and your child.
Fun and Educational Apps for Learning disabilties and ADHD
- Endless Reader (Free with in-app purchases, iOS & Android,)
This app accumulates commonly used words in written English and uses the concept of ‘sight words to help kids with reading. The word comes alive in the form of its meaning and helps children recognize them and thus also learn the word itself along with its usage in a sentence. Its interactive and user-friendly interface makes it easy for kids and their parents to make the best of the app. The app has three levels, the first one catering to kids from Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten, the second one from Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, and the third one from 2nd Grade to 3rd Grade.
- Todo Math (Free with in-app purchases, iOS & Android)
Many kids, especially those who face learning challenges, struggle with core math skills. The app uses visual tools to correlate objects with numbers. The number is first introduced to the child and then they can trace it on the screen. Some of the perks of this app include its multi-language feature, left-handed mode, and dyslexic font among other accessibility features, making it user-friendly for children with a range of learning disabilities.
- Monster Physics ($1.99, iOS)
This app has been specifically designed for an iPad and is a unique building app that helps kids learn physics in a fun way. It helps them visualize physics at play by building and operating their car, crane, rocket ship, plane, helicopter, tank, and much more. There are more than 68 different parts, different materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and ice as well as various methods of connecting to choose from. This app will give kids the freedom to be creative and innovative. Even though this app is not specifically built for kids with learning disabilities it will help them practise their autonomy, problem-solving, creative thinking, and having fun while at it.
Language & Communication Apps for Learning Disabilities And ADHD
- MyTalk (Free with in-app purchases, iOS & Android)
This app requires a username and password before you begin. The app is a great resource for slightly younger children who struggle with language and communication. By helping the child communicate through images a lot of frustrations the child faces due to miscommunication can be avoided. It also helps the child associate their thought with visual images.
- Puppet Pals Pocket (Free with in-app purchases, iOS)
This app is for kids who do not have difficulty forming sentences and understanding conversational settings. The child can play director by choosing scenery and characters to build their theatre. The app also allows kids to record their voices so that the characters can repeat the same. Not only can they hear their voices but also learn to record correct pronunciations with the help of their parents. Parents can also voice some characters and help kids build a scenario making it a collaborative effort.
Organisation And Planning Apps for Learning Disabilities and ADHD
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame (Free with in-app purchases, iOS & Android)
The app has a main character called Sesame Street monster. The objective of the app is to help the monster friend calm down and solve everyday challenges. The app is a research-based app and will help kids who are anxious and hyperactive learn how to stay calm. The app has attractive animations which will keep the child engaged and the playful interactions make it a fun learning experience. The app not only helps the child learn calm breathing techniques but also helps them build an emotional vocabulary. One of the interesting features of the app is that it offers personalized encouraging phrases. It also has a parent section that offers great resources for parents and helps them understand and overcome the challenges faced by their children.
- myHomework (Free with in-app purchases, iOS & Android)
This app is best suited for older children who have ADHD or other learning disabilities. It helps them stay on top of their assignments and tasks. The subjects and assignments can be entered into the app and it helps keep track of them. Both parent and child can thus stay updated about their tasks.
Mindfulness & Sensory Processing Apps for Learning Disabilities and ADHD
- Dropophone (Free, iOS)
This is a minimalistic, simple app but is so interesting and calming. It is inspired by Lullatone’s—a Japanese musical duo—album “Little Songs About Raindrops”. This app is very well suited for kids who seek sensory stimulation and for those who love to experiment with sound. It uses the sound of falling drops and drips to create an orchestra on which children can create melodies of their own. It not only gives them creative expression but also helps calm their nerves.
- Model Me Going Places 2 (Free with in-app purchases, iOS & Android)
For kids who find social situations and new places overwhelming and scary, this app can be very helpful. It uses images and slideshows to recreate common social settings that a child might encounter and thus preparing them for what’s to come. This can help them be less anxious. The app also has an audio narration feature along with descriptions.
Brain Training Apps for Learning Disabilities and ADHD
- NeuroNation – Brain Training (Free with in-app purchases, iOS & Android)
This app is a scientifically developed brain training app that helps enhance memory and concentration. Even though this app has not been specifically built for kids with learning disabilities it can prove to be very helpful for them. It can not only help increase memory power but can also be used to gradually inculcate greater concentration levels. Its attractive user interface is a bonus for kids who seek mental and visual stimulation.
Even though these apps are very helpful and can be a great support for navigating the challenges faced by kids with learning disabilities and ADHD it is important to remember that too much screen time can also be harmful. It is equally important for kids to move around and engage themselves physically as much as it is mentally. It is only by achieving a balance between the two that can we see an improvement.
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