Mobile Applications

Abstract

In this chapter, we overview the applications designed and developed for mobile devices to empower autistic people to learn new skills and conduct a variety of tasks (King et al., 2014). Although the lines between types and sizes of devices are continually being blurred, in this chapter we distinguish mobile devices from those primarily considered to be a desktop or laptop computer (as reviewed in Chapter 3), those intended for personal use such as wearables (as reviewed in Chapter 7), and those embedded in the environment (as reviewed in Chapter 8). The focus of this chapter is on devices that are primarily handheld, such as smartphones and tablets and can be used in multiple settings or anywhere the user goes. Because of this, the technologies have the potential to address many of the needs of the growing population of individuals with autism, their parents, and professional providers throughout their everyday lives.