Best Tablets for Autistic Children: A Guide to Choosing the Right Device

Children with autism may be significantly impacted by technology in terms of their development, schooling, and communication. With their interactive features, specialized apps, and therapeutic activities, tablets in particular are being utilized more and more to assist kids with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. The right tablet can offer an effective way to engage, educate, and assist children with unique needs. But with so many options available, it’s important to choose a device that best fits the child’s specific requirements.

Key Features to Look for in a Tablet for Autistic Children

When selecting a tablet for children with autism, consider the following features:

Durability: Kids with autism may sometimes struggle with motor skills, so a sturdy tablet with a protective case is essential. It should be able to withstand drops and accidental spills.
Ease of Use: Look for tablets that offer a simple, intuitive interface. Touchscreen capabilities should be responsive and straightforward, and the device should be easy for the child to navigate independently.
Parental Controls: Many children with autism benefit from structure and routine. Tablets with strong parental control features allow parents and caregivers to monitor screen time, control app access, and limit distractions.
Customizability: Tablets that allow customization can cater to the child’s individual needs, such as visual preferences, language settings, or specific apps for learning and behavior management.
Educational and Communication Apps: The right tablet should support apps that can help with communication, social skills, sensory regulation, and learning. Many apps are specifically designed for children with autism to assist with speech, language, socialization, and emotional expression.

Top Tablets for Autistic Children

Apple iPad (9th or 10th Generation)

Why it’s great: Apple’s iPad is one of the best options for children with autism. The iPad’s large screen, responsive touch interface, and access to a wide range of educational apps make it a versatile tool. The device also offers excellent durability, especially with a high-quality protective case.
Features: Retina display, Apple Pencil support, robust app ecosystem (including specialized apps for autism), strong parental controls, and easy customization options.
Recommended for: Children who are already familiar with Apple products or for those who need an interactive tool for education and communication.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

Why it’s great: This tablet is specifically designed for children, making it a great budget-friendly option for younger kids with autism. The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro comes with a durable, kid-proof case and offers a range of educational apps and games tailored for learning.
Features: 10-inch screen, parental controls, 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, a vast library of child-friendly apps and games, and access to autism-specific resources.
Recommended for: Parents looking for an affordable yet reliable tablet for children with autism, particularly for those who are just starting to use digital devices.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Kids Edition

Why it’s great: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Kids Edition offers a spacious screen and the durability needed for younger children. The tablet includes a kid-friendly interface and access to numerous learning apps, along with parental controls for monitoring usage.
Features: 8-inch display, powerful performance, kid-friendly interface, a sturdy case, and access to a library of educational apps for autism.
Recommended for: Parents looking for an Android option with a large display, easy-to-use interface, and ample storage for autism-specific apps.

Microsoft Surface Go 3

Why it’s great: The Surface Go 3 provides versatility with Windows-based software, which may be helpful for children who require specific educational or communication programs not available on other tablets. With its keyboard compatibility, the Surface Go can also be used for tasks that require more complex input.
Features: 10.5-inch screen, high-resolution display, full desktop functionality, and lightweight design. The device also supports apps designed for special education and communication.
Recommended for: Older children or those requiring a more robust tablet for both educational apps and school work.

LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate

Why it’s great: LeapFrog has long been known for creating educational tablets designed for young children. The LeapPad Ultimate offers a wide range of engaging educational content, including interactive games and apps that target learning milestones important for children with autism.
Features: 7-inch screen, kid-safe internet, a library of content tailored for learning, and durable construction.
Recommended for: Younger children with autism, especially those who need more structured, academic-focused content.

Kurio Tab Connect

Why it’s great: The Kurio Tab Connect is designed for younger children, featuring a durable, child-proof design and a vast library of age-appropriate apps and games. It’s a great option for parents seeking a tablet that’s both educational and entertainment-focused, offering features that support development in a fun way.
Features: 7-inch screen, 16GB storage (expandable), pre-installed with Kurio Genius parental controls, and access to the Kurio Store for educational content. The tablet also includes Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading additional apps.
Recommended for: Younger children with autism who need a tablet with parental controls, educational content, and entertainment options.

Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet

Why it’s great: The Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet offers an affordable option with kid-friendly features like a rugged, shockproof case and a wide selection of pre-installed educational content. It’s designed to engage children through both fun games and learning activities, making it a versatile tool for children with autism.
Features: 7-inch screen, 32GB of storage (expandable), pre-loaded with educational apps, and a kid-safe browsing mode. It also features a durable design, perfect for younger children who may be prone to dropping their devices.
Recommended for: Parents on a budget looking for a reliable, kid-friendly tablet that provides educational content and is durable enough for young children with autism.

Comparing the Best Tablets for Autistic Children

When choosing the right tablet for an autistic child, factors like functionality, durability, and price are crucial. Below is a comparison table that highlights the key features, price ranges, and best use cases for each tablet mentioned. This can help parents and caregivers make a more informed decision based on the child’s needs and budget.

Tablet	Key Features	Best For	Price Range
Apple iPad (9th/10th Gen)	Retina display, large app ecosystem, Apple Pencil support, strong parental controls	Older children, educational use, communication	$299 – $329
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro	Kid-proof case, 1-year Amazon Kids+, large display, parental controls	Budget-friendly, younger children	$130 – $160
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Kids Edition	Kid-friendly interface, sturdy case, access to educational apps	Android users, general learning	$150 – $180
Microsoft Surface Go 3	Full desktop functionality, lightweight, keyboard compatibility	Older children needing more robust software	$400 – $500
LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate	Interactive educational content, durable design, age-appropriate apps	Young children needing structured learning	$99 – $130
Kurio Tab Connect	Durable, child-proof design, access to Kurio Store, parental controls	Young children, entertainment and learning	$100 – $120
Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet	Affordable, shockproof case, kid-safe browsing, pre-loaded educational apps	Budget-friendly, younger children	$70 – $90

Best Apps for Autistic Children

The apps that come with tablets can have a big impact on the lives of kids with autism, even if tablets are a strong tool in and of themselves. These apps can help with communication, learning, socialization, and behavior management. Here are some of the most effective apps that can support children with autism in their development:

Proloquo2Go

What it is: Proloquo2Go is a symbol-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app designed for children with limited speech or non-verbal communication. The app uses picture symbols to help users communicate their needs, wants, and feelings. It is highly customizable, allowing for the addition of personal words and phrases.
Why it’s helpful: It helps children who struggle with verbal communication express themselves more clearly and effectively. This can reduce frustration and improve social interactions. It is widely used in both home and educational settings.

Autism iHelp

What it is: Autism iHelp is an app designed to help children with autism learn basic vocabulary, concepts, and word recognition through visuals. It uses pictures and sounds to teach words in categories like objects, emotions, and people.
Why it’s helpful: This app helps children expand their vocabulary and improve their cognitive skills in a visual and engaging way. The app is designed to support both early learners and those who need assistance with word recall and categorization.

Endless Alphabet

What it is: Endless Alphabet is a fun, interactive app that teaches children vocabulary by introducing new words in a playful, animated format. Each word is introduced through engaging characters that help illustrate its meaning.
Why it’s helpful: This app makes learning fun and accessible by using bright animations, playful characters, and interactive elements to keep children engaged. It also promotes letter recognition and phonics skills, which are critical for language development.

Model Me Kids

What it is: Model Me Kids offers a variety of social stories and video models that demonstrate appropriate social behaviors in real-life scenarios. It teaches children how to navigate everyday activities, such as going to the doctor, eating at a restaurant, or attending school.
Why it’s helpful: This app is particularly effective for children with autism who struggle with social interactions. By seeing modeled behavior, children can better understand how to react in different situations. It also helps children practice social skills and encourages positive behavior in real-life contexts.

Choiceworks

What it is: Choiceworks is an app that helps children with autism build routines, manage behavior, and practice self-regulation. It includes visual schedules, to-do lists, and emotion charts to help children understand what is expected of them throughout the day.
Why it’s helpful: It aids children who thrive on structure and routine by giving them a visual framework of their daily activities. This can help reduce anxiety and frustration by providing clarity and predictability in their environment.

Speech Blubs

What it is: Speech Blubs is a speech therapy app that uses video modeling to help children with speech delay practice pronunciation and language skills. The app provides interactive exercises designed to improve articulation, word formation, and comprehension.
Why it’s helpful: It gives kids an enjoyable, engaging method to practice words and speech sounds. By modeling correct pronunciation and providing real-time feedback, it can assist children with autism who are working on speech development.

Social Stories Creator & Library

What it is: This app provides a library of social stories designed to teach children with autism about various social situations and concepts. It also allows parents and caregivers to create custom social stories based on the child’s specific needs.
Why it’s helpful: Social stories are an effective tool for preparing children for new experiences and teaching them about social rules and expectations. This app allows for personalized stories that can address specific challenges the child may face.

Pictello

What it is: Using voice recordings, text, and images, kids can make their own stories with the Pictello storytelling software. It’s designed to help children with autism develop narrative skills and improve social communication.
Why it’s helpful: Pictello empowers children to express themselves creatively while also helping them develop language and social skills. It encourages storytelling and self-expression, which can improve both communication and social understanding.

Conclusion

The development, cognitive, and communication abilities of a child with autism can all be significantly impacted by the tablet they choose. By focusing on these factors—customizability, durability, specialized apps, and budget—parents and caregivers can select the best tablet to help children with autism thrive in their learning, communication, and daily activities.

Key Takeaways:

Customizability: Tablets like the iPad and Microsoft Surface Go offer customizable settings, allowing for personalized learning experiences and accessibility features tailored to the child’s needs.
Durability: Devices like the Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet and Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro are perfect for smaller kids because they are made with durable, child-proof casings that can resist drops and rough treatment.
Specialized Apps: Apps like Proloquo2Go, Autism iHelp, and Model Me Kids provide tools for communication, vocabulary building, and social skills, supporting both educational and behavioral development.
Budget Considerations: Tablets like the Kurio Tab Connect and Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet are affordable options, offering essential features and apps without breaking the bank, making them great choices for families on a budget.

FAQs

What is the most important feature to look for in a tablet for an autistic child?

The most important feature is customizability. Autistic children often benefit from tablets that offer personalized settings, such as speech-to-text features, visual aids, and adjustable interfaces, which can help cater to their unique learning and communication needs.

Are there tablets specifically designed for younger children with autism?

Yes, several tablets are designed with younger children in mind, such as the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro and the Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet. These devices often come with child-proof cases and pre-installed educational apps, making them ideal for early learning and development.

How do apps help children with autism?

Apps provide interactive and engaging ways for children with autism to learn new skills. Apps like Proloquo2Go help with communication by using symbols, while others like Choiceworks assist with building routines and managing emotions. The right apps can support language development, socialization, and behavior management.

Can a tablet replace therapy for children with autism?

No, a tablet should not replace therapy. While tablets can be a valuable supplement to therapy, offering tools for learning and communication, they should be used in conjunction with professional support, such as speech therapy and behavioral therapy, to provide a well-rounded approach to development.

Are there budget-friendly tablets for autistic children?

Yes, there are several budget-friendly tablets that still offer great features for children with autism. Kurio Tab Connect and Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet are examples of affordable devices that come with durable cases, educational apps, and customizable features without the high price tag of premium tablets.