Best Digital Tools and Apps for ABA Therapy

This article explores some of the best ABA therapy apps and gadgets, highlighting their features, benefits, and practical applications. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, these tools can make a significant difference in therapy outcomes and day-to-day life.

1. Hearth Calendar Display

The Hearth Calendar Display is a comprehensive tool tailored for autism therapy. It integrates visual schedules, progress tracking, and reminders, offering a structured and engaging way to enhance daily routines.

How Hearth Calendar Benefits ABA Therapy

• Visual Schedules for Daily Routine
  Children with autism often respond well to visual representations of routines. The Hearth Calendar allows therapists and parents to display tasks like “brush teeth,” “therapy,” or “playtime” using pictures and symbols.
  Example: A toothbrush icon signifies “brush teeth.” Each task reduces anxiety and simplifies transitions.
• Managing Transitions Between Activities
  Transitions can be tough for children with ASD. The Hearth Calendar displays start and end times for activities, easing resistance.
  Example: A visual reminder like “Clean up toys” minimizes stress during activity changes.
• Promoting Independence and Task Completion
  With step-by-step visual task guides, children can independently complete activities and check them off, building confidence.
  Example: Completing morning routines without constant verbal prompting.
• Tracking Therapy Progress and Offering Reinforcement
  Monitor goals like “stay calm during transitions” and add positive visual markers for achieved milestones.
  Example: Unlock a reward on the display after completing multiple tasks successfully.

The Hearth Calendar is an excellent choice for fostering structure, independence, and emotional regulation.

2. Proloquo2Go

Proloquo2Go is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app designed for non-verbal and minimally verbal individuals. By offering a “voice” through symbols, pictures, and text-to-speech, it facilitates meaningful communication.

Why Proloquo2Go is Essential in ABA Therapy

• Enhances Communication Skills
  Teach children to use the app for manding (requesting) instead of behaviors like crying.
  Example: A child can tap “I want” + “water” to request a drink.
• Reduces Problem Behaviors
  Frustration often leads to tantrums. Proloquo2Go helps children express emotions appropriately.
  Example: A child taps “I need a break” instead of screaming when overwhelmed.
• Builds Vocabulary and Expressive Language
  Use the app to expand vocabulary and sentence structures through practice.
  Example: A therapist prompts, “Find the dog,” and the child selects the “dog” icon.
• Improves Social Interactions and Turn-Taking
  Pre-program greetings and conversational phrases to facilitate social skills.
  Example: A child uses the app to say, “Hi, how are you?” during a peer interaction.

Proloquo2Go’s personalized features, guided by a speech therapist, make it a powerful tool for developing communication and independence.

3. Toca Boca Apps

Toca Boca apps offer open-ended, imaginative play scenarios like cooking, going to school, or visiting the doctor. These games provide a safe and engaging environment for children to practice skills in a fun, interactive way.

Toca Boca Applications for ABA Therapy

• Encourage Pretend Play
  Imaginative play boosts cognitive and social development.
  Example: A child role-plays as a chef in “Toca Kitchen,” practicing conversation and creativity.
• Promote Social Interaction and Sharing
  The apps simulate real-world interactions like turn-taking and collaboration.
  Example: Two children share a game in “Toca Hair Salon,” working together to style a character.
• Reinforce Emotional Regulation
  Introduce scenarios to help children identify and manage emotions.
  Example: Help a child work through a “sad friend” scenario in “Toca Life: School.”
• Develop Daily Living Skills
  Simulate activities like cooking, cleaning, or shopping to build independence.
  Example: A child follows steps in “Toca Life: World” to prepare a meal, mirroring real-life routines.

Toca Boca apps are engaging and effective, bridging gaps between structured therapy and real-world application.

4. Mindllama Breathing Exercises

Mindllama is a mindfulness app designed specifically for children. It helps develop emotional regulation and self-calming techniques while reducing anxiety and problem behaviors.

How Mindllama Supports ABA Therapy

• Facilitates Self-Regulation
  Use calming visuals and guided breathing techniques before transitions or challenging activities.
  Example: Encourage deep breathing before leaving the house to ease anxiety.
• Reinforces Coping Strategies
  Consistent use teaches children to replace tantrums with calming techniques.
  Example: If a child stomps, prompt them to breathe in like a balloon and exhale slowly.
• Supports Generalization Across Settings
  Teach calming methods in therapy, then encourage use in school, home, or public spaces.
  Example: A child practices deep breaths at home and later uses the skill at school when frustrated.

Mindllama builds lifelong resilience for emotional challenges in children.

Integrating Apps Into ABA Therapy

By incorporating these digital tools, caregivers and therapists can make ABA therapy sessions more interactive, measurable, and effective. Here’s why these tools stand out:

• Support Communication: Apps like Proloquo2Go give non-verbal children a platform to express themselves.
• Encourage Independence: Tools like the Hearth Calendar promote task completion without constant prompts.
• Foster Social Skills and Emotional Regulation: Both Toca Boca and Mindllama encourage adaptive behaviors in real-life and imaginative settings.
• Visual and Interactive Learning: Digital tools provide visual cues, making learning more engaging and fun for children with ASD.

With professional guidance, these tools can become powerful additions to ABA therapy, enriching every session and supporting generalization into everyday routines.

Final Thoughts

Integrating technology into ABA therapy bridges the gap between structured interventions and real-world applications. Apps like Hearth Calendar Display, Proloquo2Go, Toca Boca, and Mindllama are more than tools; they are stepping stones to independence, effective communication, and emotional regulation for children.

Take the first step in optimizing your ABA therapy sessions by exploring these tools. By doing so, you’re not just giving a child a better today but also paving the way for a brighter, more independent future.