App Suggestions

How to Use iPads/Tablets to Build Skills

The American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA] has a comprehensive list of recommended paid and free apps [click here]. The Inspired Treehouse also has their own list of Occupational Therapy Apps. Below are my recommendations!

* Remember to use good posture and body mechanics when using the phone or tablet, to prevent muscle and/or eye fatigue.

*If you have access to a stylus use that to promote mature grasp or ensure your child uses an isolated pointer finger when using the iPad

*Change position [i.e. lay on your stomach to build core strength, sit at the table, prop up the iPad, etc.] and take breaks when using technology!

Andrew's Gift

I am on the faculty at Andrew's Gift, an organization with the mission to provide resources to individuals living with autism to enable their development and enrich their lives.

Check out the link to the left to see some of the apps they recommend and provide for families. There are YouTube playlists for different types of apps as well as a demontration for how to use each one!

*please note that not all of these apps are free

Typing Apps

Tap Typing

[Get it here for Apple only]

Use the game and timer on this simple app to find out your typing speed per minute.

Snap Type

[Get it here for Apple]

Many students use this to complete worksheets at school regularly! This OT app helps students with difficulties writing by allowing them to take a picture of a worksheet and use the iPad keyboard to type in answers.

Adobe Fill & Sign

[Get it here for Apple]

Very similarly to Snap Type, Adobe Fill & Sign, is a newer [& FREE!] app that may be easier for students to navigate. It allows the same type on pictures of worksheet features.

Fine/Visual Motor & Dexterity Apps

Magic Piano

[Get it here for Android & Here for Apple]

Play popular songs effortlessly on this piano game. A large catalog of songs allows users to play the piano by tracking and tapping colored dots on the screen!

Doodle Buddy

[Get it here for Apple]

This is a clean and simple drawing app that offers different colored pens, stamps, shapes, text, and all kinds of colored/textured backgrounds for kids to draw on. Joy Doodle has similiar offerings.

Dexteria

[Get it here for Apple]

This app offers three different activities that may be suited best for older kids. The app includes a finger isolation activity, an activity to encourage grasping, and a writing/tracing activity. There is also an option to enter multiple users to store and track data and progress. This is a paid app [$3.99] Dexteria Jr. is also great!

Handwriting & Tracing Apps

Writing Wizard

[Get it here for Apple]

This would be my #1 recommendation for a tracing app as it is very engaging, customizable and motivating for children, however, this app costs $4.99.

LetterSchool

[Get it here for Apple]

Alphabet tracing and words spelling app recommended and used by parents, teachers, and occupational therapists! There is a free (limited vesion as well as a paid full version).

HWT Wet Dry Try

[Get it here for Apple]

This app uses the language and stroke sequence taught in the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum that many of our OT students have been using to learn letter formation. There is a free (limited vesion as well as a paid full version).

Visual Perceptual Skill Apps

Hidden Pictures Puzzle Play

[Get it here for Apple]

Highlights’ world-famous Hidden Pictures puzzles! Target visual figure ground, scanning, and visual discrimination skills in this fun game!

Letter Cross Tracking

[Get it here for Apple]

The Letter Cross Tracking App improves visual tracking skills, visual discrimination skills and spatial relationship skills. Developed by an Occupational Therapist.

Unroll Me

[Get it here for Apple]

Guide the white ball to the red GOAL block by moving the slots. Unroll Me is the smash hit puzzle game that is easy to learn but hard to master.

Executive Functioning Apps

Rush Traffic

[Get it here for Apple]

Challenge your problem solving, frustration tolerance, planning, visual percetpual skills and concentration in this fun FREE game.

How to Make Origami

[Get it here for Apple]

Pair some direction following. sequencing, sustained attention and self momnitoring skills with this fun fine motor activity that is easy to complete at home!

Visual Timer

[Get it here for Apple]

Help manage time, indicate the start and end to tasks, and improve independence in self monitoring and time mangement with the use of visual timers.

Life Skills Apps

Ready Set Dial

[Get it here for Apple]

Ready Set Dial! helps cover the basics of both phone usage and safety with a working phone simulator. Kids can go through the actual steps to learn how to call home, 911, or any other important phone numbers.

iDo Hygiene

[Get it here for Apple]

iDo Hygiene is an innovative and comprehensive app for learning the most common personal hygiene daily activities (teeth brushing, shampooing , hand washing, toilet training, taking a shower , public bathroom, etc.).

iDo Getting Dressed

[Get it here for Apple]

Helps individuals getting dressed independently. Visual and audio prompts on how to put on clothing and proper dress for situations. Can be customized to include the individual’s actual clothing.

Self Regulation & Sensory Apps

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

[Get it here for Android or Here for Apple]

Help a Sesame Street monster calm down and solve challenges with this research-based app.

Super Stretch Yoga

[Get it here for Apple]

Super Stretch is a fun, interactive yoga app created for kids, used by the whole family!

Headspace

[Get it here for Apple or Here for Android]

Choose from hundreds of guided meditations on everything from managing stress and anxiety to sleep, productivity, exercise, and physical health

Free Apps for Occupational Therapy - The OT ToolboxUse these free apps for occupational therapy activities to build skills in handwriting, fine motor, visual motor, executive functioning, and regulation.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse