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Tools that help · for every kind of kid

The best tools we've found to help your child grow.

While you figure out the bigger picture — testing, school, services — these are real, proven tools you can start using today. For talkers and non-talkers, readers and not-yet-readers, every point on the spectrum. We're here to walk alongside you; in the meantime, here's real help you can put in your child's hands now.

★ A free resource. Nobody pays to be on this list — these are here because they work.

🗣️ For a child who isn't talking yet

If your child is nonverbal or has very few words, communication tools (called AAC) can give them a voice — sometimes for the first time. These are the most trusted ones. Ask your speech therapist which fits, and know that schools and insurance can sometimes cover the device.

★ A tip: a private speech evaluation can recommend a specific AAC device — and that recommendation can make the school or insurance pay for it.

Proloquo2Go

AAC app · iPad · all ages
The most widely used symbol-based "talking" app — your child taps pictures and words and the iPad speaks for them. The gold standard, used in homes and schools everywhere.
iPad
assistiveware.com →

TouchChat & LAMP Words for Life

AAC apps · iPad · all ages
Two other excellent, school-recognized communication apps. LAMP is especially used with autistic kids. Often the speech therapist will pick between these and Proloquo2Go.
iPad
touchchatapp.com →

CoughDrop

AAC · any device · all ages
A flexible, lower-cost communication app that works across devices (not just iPad). A great option when budget is tight or you want to try AAC before buying a premium app.
Lower cost / trialAny device
coughdrop.com →

Your free starting point: PECS & the school SLP

Picture cards · free-to-start
Before any app, simple picture-exchange (PECS) cards can start communication for free — and your school's speech-language pathologist must help if your child qualifies. Always run the free school route in parallel.
Free to startSchool-provided
Ask us how to request it →

🎬 Social skills & video modeling

"Video modeling" is one of the most evidence-backed ways to teach kids on the spectrum — they watch short videos of others doing a skill (saying hi, taking turns, getting dressed) and learn by copying. It works because so many of our kids learn beautifully by watching.

Gemiini

Video-modeling curriculum · home & school
A research-based video-modeling program where kids watch focused clips that teach speech, language, reading, and life skills. Widely loved by parents for real, measurable gains — especially for speech and communication. A standout you can use at home.
Speech · life skills
gemiini.org →

Everyday Speech

Social-skills videos & lessons · ~PreK–12
A huge library of friendly video lessons teaching conversation, friendship, emotions, and self-control — the social curriculum many schools and therapists use, available to families too.
Social skills
everydayspeech.com →

Model Me Kids

Video-modeling videos · all ages
Real children modeling everyday social and life skills — playgrounds, conversations, school, doctor visits. Simple, affordable, and a gentle way to prepare your child for new situations.
Life skills
modelmekids.com →

Floreo

VR social-skills practice · ~ages 5+
Gentle virtual-reality lessons that let kids safely practice real-world situations (crossing a street, ordering food, calming down). Newer, but parents and clinicians are excited about it.
VR · practice
floreotech.com →

📖 Reading & dyslexia

If reading is a battle, these tools either teach reading the right way (structured, multisensory) or take the pressure off so your child can keep learning while they catch up. Two of them are free for kids with a diagnosed reading disability.

Bookshare

Audiobooks & ebooks · school-age
A massive library of books your child can listen to or read with the words highlighted — free for students with a qualifying reading disability. One of the best-kept secrets for dyslexic kids.
Free (if qualifying)Audiobooks
bookshare.org →

Learning Ally

Human-read audiobooks · school-age
Audiobooks read by real people (not robots), designed for kids with dyslexia, plus parent support. Often provided free through schools — ask yours.
Often free via schoolDyslexia
learningally.org →

Nessy

Structured-literacy games · ~ages 5–12
Playful, game-based reading and spelling built on Orton-Gillingham (the method that actually works for dyslexia). Kids think they're playing; they're learning to read.
Reading games
nessy.com →

Built-in text-to-speech (free)

iPad / Chromebook / phone · any age
Every device your child already owns can read text aloud and take dictation for free (Speak Screen on iPad, Read&Write/Immersive Reader on Chromebooks). A free accommodation that changes everything — and one your school's IEP can require them to use.
FreeAlready on the device
More dyslexia help →

⏱️ Focus & getting organized

For kids with ADHD or executive-function struggles, the right simple tool can turn a daily meltdown over homework or transitions into something manageable.

Goblin Tools

Free web tools · older kids, teens & you
A free, almost magical set of tools — paste in an overwhelming task and "Magic ToDo" breaks it into tiny steps; another estimates how long things take. Built with neurodivergent users in mind. Genuinely helpful for teens and parents.
FreeTask breakdown
goblin.tools →

Time Timer

Visual timer · all ages
A simple clock that shows time as a shrinking colored wedge, so kids who can't feel time can see it. Ends the "five more minutes" war. App or physical timer.
Transitions
timetimer.com →

Choiceworks

Visual schedule app · younger kids
A picture-based daily schedule and "waiting" / feelings boards that help kids know what's coming next — which prevents so many meltdowns. A favorite for autism and ADHD.
Visual schedule
beevisual.com →

Khan Academy Kids

Learning app · ages 2–8 · free
A genuinely free, gentle, ad-free early-learning app — good for building skills at your child's own pace without pressure.
FreeEarly learning
khanacademy.org →

💛 Big feelings & calming down

When a child gets overwhelmed, melts down, or can't name what they feel, these tools give them — and you — a shared language and a way back to calm.

Zones of Regulation

Emotional-regulation framework · ~ages 4+
The simple "colors of feelings" system used in schools everywhere — kids learn to notice which "zone" they're in and what helps them get back to green. There's an app, and free intro materials online.
Self-regulation
zonesofregulation.com →

Visual feelings cards & "calm corner" ideas

Free printables · all ages
Free emotion cards and simple at-home calming setups (a quiet corner, fidgets, deep-breathing visuals) can prevent and shorten meltdowns — no cost, big difference.
FreeAt home
Ask us for our parent list →

New tools come out constantly — we're researching the best in the country and keep this list current. If you've found one that helped your child, tell us and we'll check it out for other families.

Tools help. But you don't have to do this alone.

If you want a real person to help you figure out testing, the right school, or how to get the school to provide what your child needs — that's what we're here for. The first call is free.

Talk to someone who gets it →