Inclusive education gives every student a fair chance to learn, creating opportunities that go beyond socio-economic background, abilities, and learning needs. It reduces stereotypes, barriers, and discrimination, and encourages more engagement from students with different perspectives and challenges.
In the U.S., 1 in 31 children is affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by age 8, according to data from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Factors like diagnostics, public awareness, and access to digital tools and support are critical to building an inclusive classroom.
This handbook offers a look into digital tools for children diagnosed with ASD, as these can create a neurodivergent-friendly learning environment. After all, digital tools resonate with neurodivergent kids, says assessment consultant Colleen Williams.
These tools are data-focused, interactive, and shareable with parents, teachers, and therapists, making them easy to monitor and cost-effective. They can track progress and identify learning gaps, making it easier for teachers to design inclusive lesson plans and choose the right supports for their ASD learners.
According to the Autism Research Institute, early ASD screening tools can identify signs of autism. This article shares common digital ASD assessments and recommends digital applications. In addition, the article provides digital resources that can address sensory issues, support communication and organization, and help establish routines in the classroom and at home.
What is neurodiversity and the autism spectrum?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as “a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.” The term ‘neurodiversity’ is used to describe the range of differences in individual brain function.
ASD usually presents in the early years of a child’s life, and its severity can range from minimal support needed (Level I) to significant support needed (Level III). Doctors use two criteria to diagnose children: 1) persistent deficits in reciprocal communication and social interaction, and 2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.
Common Challenges Associated with ASD
To succeed in school, ASD students need a calm, positive learning experience and a welcoming environment. Research demonstrates that they often have social, emotional, and behavioral issues and need extra support in the classroom and at home. For example, children with autism can have:
-
Difficulty with emotional regulation
-
Problems with executive functions, like paying attention and making decisions
-
Noise sensitivity and other sensory issues
-
Feelings of overwhelm, especially in cluttered or disorganised spaces
-
Speech and language problems, leading to communication issues or social difficulties
-
Sleep problems
-
Coexisting psychiatric conditions such as depression, ADHD, or anxiety
These challenges highlight the importance of finding ways to manage day-to-day stressors at school. One study demonstrated that children with autism have a greater need for health and learning services. Another promising study showed that they typically respond well to highly structured, specialized programs.
Digital Tools for the Classroom
Technology can support children with autism spectrum disorder, helping them become more independent and develop their strengths. The digital tools and resources in this section are intended to support and enhance classroom activities and programs. However, the severity of autism varies, and every learner has specific needs and challenges.
Assistive technology for ASD can improve a student’s functional abilities and help them complete specific tasks. Technology can help students communicate, listen, read, and remember as they learn.
Word Processors
Software programs like Word and Google Docs have built-in features like ‘Dictate’, ‘Transcribe’, and ‘Voice Typing’, allowing students to use speech-to-text and detect multiple speakers more easily. This is helpful for taking notes, expressing ideas without feeling anxious, and reading out loud. Word processors can improve focus and attention, reduce reliance on others during assignments, and enhance communication with peers and teachers.
Other processors, such as Co-Writer and Clicker-7, have additional features that make writing more accessible. For example, with Clicker-7, students can use symbols to convey words and ideas.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Teachers and parents who want to support children with sensitivity to sound can purchase a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones block background noise or can play calming sounds to reduce sensory overload. They can help a child sleep better, relax when feeling anxious, and concentrate during tasks.
While there are various types of headphones, such as over-ear, on-ear, earbuds, wireless, earplugs, and ones for sleeping, experts often recommend noise-cancelling headphones like Procase, Soundcore Space One, and Alpine. If a child feels overwhelmed or unable to focus, a pair of these headphones can be a source of calm, especially in busy or loud places.
Expert tip: Noise-cancelling headphones may make communication more challenging because they block out voices and instructions. In dangerous situations, the child may not hear a teacher or parent calling them. Take extra care during class field trips or large school events.
AI-Powered Tools
“Students with ASD often prefer to engage with technology because of its predictability and limited social demands,” according to Kotsi et al. (2025). Although AI education and diagnostic tools are still in the early stages, there are several new tools available and capable of addressing the academic, social, and cognitive challenges of children with autism.
Here are three examples:
Goblin Tools is an AI neurodivergent-friendly mobile application that can support teacher-parent communication, help students assess the tone of their writing, and provide in-depth information about a topic.
FaceMe (social AR) and Emotion RecognitionTrainer (VR) are augmented and virtual reality games that facilitate children’s learning about emotional expressions. The AR and VR systems provide tangible tools and opportunities for practice, teaching communication skills to children with ASD.
QTrobot is a social robot designed for children with autism. It teaches cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and interaction. Children can have simple, structured conversations with the robot and develop their social skills and communication. For example, social robots can assist instructors in structuring songs and stories.
Digital Screening Tools for Early Identification of ASD
Aside from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), there are many screening tools and methods to identify early signs of autism in children. While some require a formal assessment by a trained physician, others can be completed by parents, therapists, or teachers.
-
M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers): This is a parent-completed questionnaire available in digital form (tablet, web-based, and electronic medical records-based), used to identify children from 16 to 24 months who are at risk for autism.
-
STAT (Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children): This interactive tool has activities to assess play, communication, and imitation skills.
-
Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC): This one-page digital form was designed by the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California. The form is completed by parents, teachers, or caregivers and assesses speech, sociability, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and health factors.
-
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA): This assessment can identify behaviors, triggers, consequences, functions, and interventions used when students with autism experience frustration, avoid tasks, or show other behaviors such as stimming or throwing objects.
-
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition): This observational assessment directly evaluates social and communication skills through activities with the child. The assessment is often done together with the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised), a semi-structured interview with the caregiver to gather developmental and behavioral information.
-
CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition): This is an observational tool that rates the severity of autism symptoms and is designed for trained clinicians.
-
PEDS (Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status): This general developmental parent interview is designed to identify delays in language, self-help, and motor skills. You can access it at pedstest.com.
-
DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders): This is a comprehensive interview developed by Dr. Lorna Wing and Judith Gould and used by doctors to diagnose ASD and other developmental conditions. The tool identifies social and communication challenges.
-
ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire): This parent-completed questionnaire can screen for general developmental skills in areas like communication and motor skills.
20 Apps for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Assistive technology can significantly enhance learning for children with autism. Digital devices and applications can aid in communication and learning, as well as support diagnosis and classroom planning. Here are some helpful autism-focused applications to consider.
For support with speech and communication:
-
Otsimo: for speech therapy and cognitive development
-
Communicate Easy: uses picture and video cards for non-verbal individuals
-
Augie AAC: a voice output to enhance communication
-
GoTalk: for non-verbal children (free)
-
Proloquo2Go: for language skills and communication abilities
For help with organization:
-
Choiceworks: picture-based learning and completing daily routines
-
Behavior Tracker Pro: for behavioral therapists, teachers, and parents, designed to track treatment plans
-
Milestone Tracker: includes illustrated checklists for children from 2 months to 1 year
-
Autism Tracker Pro: for logging and tracking behavior, mood, and health patterns
-
Thumsters: a customizable tracker that motivates children with clear rewards
For support with cognitive, social-emotional, and motor skills development:
-
Dexteria VMI: for cognitive motor skills
-
GoNoodle: for developing gross motor skills
-
Mightier: to learn to manage emotions and manage anxiety and ADHD
-
AutisMate: teaches life skills like handwashing and playground behavior
For sensory issues:
-
Miracle Modus: for soothing sensory overload
-
BrainWorks: for sensory “break” activities and emotional soothing
-
Dropophone: composing and listening to melodies, rain sounds, or a metronome
To improve executive functions:
-
Tiimo: a visual planner for neurodivergent users with checklists, cues, and reminders
-
Goally: a suite that combines routine management with visual schedules, behavior tracking using boards, and visual timers
-
EndeavorRx: a video game that helps treat ADHD, improving attention during structured play
ASD Teaching Resources
The pedagogical tools below can help a teacher create an autism-friendly learning environment or design an inclusive education program:
The Female Profile of Autism – A Guide to Clinical Assessment: provides detailed information about the nuanced approach to assessing girls and recognizing the signs of ASD
Good Autism Practice for Teachers – Embracing Neurodiversity and Supporting Inclusion: a guide to integrating supports for neurodiverse children
Together We Cook n’ Learn by Sue Larkey is a digital cooking book ideal for teaching life skills and enhancing the school curriculum to improve education for neurodiverse students. The program uses photos and recipes to help develop communication skills.
Device Squad has a podcast episode dedicated to ASD digital tools with guests Cathy Farmer (Organization for Autism Research), Alexander Cohen (Child Neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital), and Michael McWatters (TED Conferences).
Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS): Implementing Evidence-Based Practices Throughout the Day by Brenda Smith Myles and Shawn Henry: a tool for educators to plan and implement learning programs
Under the radar: An essential Guide to Autism and Girls by Emilia Misheva: a guide to the different presentations of autism common in girls and the gender bias in ASD assessments
My Social Stories Book by Carol Gray: 150 illustrated stories that teach children about basic life skills, like brushing their teeth or taking a bath
Big Blue Book of Ideas for Teacher Assistants by Sue Larkey: strategies for building social skills, friendships, and self-esteem
Executive Function Dysfunction by Rebecca Moyes: guidance for parents and educators who support children with executive function difficulties
Practical Mathematics for Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Delays by Jo Adkins and Sue Larkey (free copy available)
The OT Toolbox: Emotional Regulation and Executive Function
Whole Body Listening by Elizabeth Sautter: recommendations for improving listening skills in children.
ASD-Related Training and Networking Events
-
Low Arousal Approach Training was developed in the UK and is offered in Canada through the Autism Awareness Centre. It supports caregivers, educational assistants, and family members who work with children on the autism spectrum. The approach offers behaviour management strategies that focus on reducing stress, frustration, and fear. The training is available online.
-
The TEACCH Autism Program offers online learning, virtual training, and digital resources to support the implementation of the method. The principles are often implemented using digital tools. Teaching is structured and uses a research-backed method to organize physical spaces and activities and provide predictable routines, visual schedules, and tasks. The method can be adapted to web-based systems and digital visual supports, schedules, task sequencing, and prompts. Training webinars are offered to professionals who teach children with autism.
-
Autism Europe Conference is an annual international event bringing together stakeholders from around the world to share the latest research and best practices in the field of autism.
-
Autism Society Conference (U.S.) is an annual event organized by the Autism Society of America.
-
Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) is a teaching method used to support children with autism. It focuses on changing behavior through positive reinforcement and applied behavior analysis, helping children reach their full potential.
Organizations
-
Kennedy Krieger Institute: This is an interdisciplinary hospital program that provides expertise and care for children with disorders and injuries affecting the brain. The Institute conducts research on autism. The Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI) offers clinical care, innovative research, and training related to neurodiversity, as well as an annual conference and classroom consultations.
-
SPARK: This is an autism research study and community of autistic individuals and their families, advancing the understanding of autism. It provides webinars, reports, and stories about parents with autistic kids.
-
The Autism Society connects people to resources for advocacy, education, and community programming.
-
The Johnson Center provides education and behavioral interventions, assessments, and consultations for therapists and educators, such as using ABA programs to teach children with autism
-
The Simons Foundation is a private foundation that provides opportunities for engaging with science through grants. The foundation provides funding related to Autism and Neuroscience through its SFARI program.
-
Autism BrainNet promotes high-quality research to improve understanding of the causes of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
-
The Color of Autism Foundation is a non-profit organisation that connects families with ASD children to trauma-informed and culturally competent supports and services.
-
ADDM Network Sites is a CDC-funded program that collects data about autism and developmental disabilities.
-
The Autism Society of America is a national charitable organization that improves the lives of individuals with ASD, their families, and the professionals who work with them.
Resources for Parents
Books and Manuals About ASD
“Autism Out Loud – Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthood” by Kate Swenson and Carrie Cariello: Two mothers of children with autism share victories, tears, and laughter as they explore their experiences and learn about life as parents.
“What Really Works for Children with Autism” by Peter Vermeulen and Kobe Vanroy: a book about the needs of autistic children and how a parent, teacher, caregiver, or therapist can support them
“Autism and Adolescence: What Teens and Adults Need to Know” by Temple Grandin: The author draws on her experience to guide and nurture autistic youth. She discusses the day-to-day issues parents, teachers, and people on the spectrum face.
“Headphones: A Book for Children With Autism and Sensory Disorders” by Kira Elbeyli: This is a book written for children with autism and sensory disorders and their classmates, siblings, and friends. It introduces the concept of wearing headphones.
“A Parent’s Guide to Assessment Part 1” by the Johnson Center
“Early Signs of Autism Video Tutorial” by the Kennedy Krieger Institute
Top Autism Blogs
Reading Materials for Autistic Learners
Below are a variety of books for autistic learners. Some of these were written by autistic authors, while others have autistic characters in the story or helpful resources for children and teens on the autism spectrum. The books are available in print and audio formats.
3 to 7 years old
“Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book” by Celeste Shally: This is a story about two boys, one of which has autism. It helps children make friends and navigate social situations.
“A Feel Better Book for Picky Eaters” by Holly Brochmann and Leah Bowen: a rhyming story about the challenges kids face when trying new foods
“A Friend for Henry” by Jenn Bailey: a picture book that explores the experience of autism and the importance of friendships
“Different Thinkers: Autism” by Katia Fredriksen and Yael Rothman: information and strategies for young children to help them find their strengths and learn self-acceptance
“Gus the Asparagus” by Ann-Marie Finn and Kaylene Hobson: This book tells the story of Gus, the only asparagus in his family who learns that it’s okay to be different.
“Pedro’s Whale” by Paula Kluth: Based on a real-life event, this is a story about a young boy who loves whales and a teacher who discovers the secret to helping him do his best work.
5 to 11 years old
“I am an Autistic Girl” by Danuta Bulhak-Paterson: a book to help girls ages 5 to 11 understand their diagnosis and recognize their strengths
“The Kids’ Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control” by Lauren Brukner: ideas for regulating emotions and senses and tackling difficult feelings
“The Girl Who Thought In Pictures” by Julia Finley Mosca: This is the story of Dr. Temple Grandin, one of several from an educational series about inspirational scientists. This book is for children 5 to 9 years old.
Teens (12+)
Look Me In The Eye (14+) by John Elder Robison: a funny and heartfelt memoir about a man’s journey and eventual diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism: (13+) by Naoki Kigashida: a memoir about a smart, self-aware boy with autism, demonstrating the feelings, perceptions, and thoughts of people with ASD
“Planet Earth Is Blue” by Nicole Panteleakos: a novel about a nonverbal girl and her passion for space exploration
“Anything But Typical” by Nora Raleigh Baskin: the story of Jason Blake, an autistic 12-year-old living in a neurotypical world
“The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic” by Siena Castellon: practical tips about dating, body image, consent, and friendships
“The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens” by Tanya Masterman and Yenn Purkis: The book explores how it feels to be a young person on the autism spectrum and shares tips for managing meltdowns, sensory differences, and anxiety.
More Helpful Resources
-
For more information about creating an autism-friendly classroom, contact Autism Speaks and request the School Community Tool Kit.
-
For more examples of assistive devices and applications, visit the IDEAL project, a digital platform with learning resources for autistic people, evaluations of new digital tools, and training models.
-
Read about new research on the use of AI in this Karolinska Institute report: “AI model aids early detection of autism”.
-
Check out the video series by Pearson Clinical Assessments called “Navigating Autism, Transforming Lives: The Essential Role of Assessments.
-
The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) provides recommendations about ASD screening for children and information about the early signs of autism.
References
Autism Research Institute. (n.d.). Autism Screening & Assessments (Blog post). Retrieved August 29th, 2025, from https://autism.org/screening-assessment/
Beauvois, L., & Kverno, K. (2020). Challenges in Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 58(12), 7-12. https://www.ispn-psych.org/assets/Kverno_challenges-in-treating-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-implications-for-psychiatricmental-health-nurse-practitioners.pdf
Benevides TW, Carretta HJ, Lane SJ. (2016). Unmet need for therapy among children with autism spectrum disorder: Results from the 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Maternal Child Health Journal. 20(4), 878–888. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26662279/
Kotsi, S., Handrinou, S., Iatraki, G., & Soulis, S.G. (2025). A review of artificial intelligence interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder. Disabilities, 5 (1), 7. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/5/1/7
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2020). Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communication Problems in Children (blog post). Retrieved August 29th, 2025. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children#4