April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, and Apple is marking the occasion by promoting a range of apps designed to help “autistic people … share their voices with the world.”
The apps are divided into four sections: “Communication,” “Life skills,” “Games, videos and music,” and “Great tools on Apple Watch.” Apps include the likes of communication tool Proloquo2Go, kids’ scheduling app Todo Visual Schedule, game Avokiddo Emotions, and more.
While no two individuals on the autistic spectrum are the same, many have been struggling this year due to the turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s therefore particularly great that Apple is taking the time to highlight tools that might help.
There’s a variety of apps recommended by Apple on the dedicated webpage. They range from tools for self-expression to ones that can help people on the autism spectrum better recognize and express emotions.
Apple notes that:
“Now more than ever, autistic people can share their voices with the world. With the help of amazing apps, they can learn, play, and communicate. Through the power of books and podcasts, they can tell their stories. During Autism Acceptance Month, we celebrate how their unique experience enriches us all.”
Accessibility has been a key tenet of Apple, particularly under the leadership of Tim Cook. That, of course, covers a broad variety of areas and potential challenges users have to deal with. However, Apple has worked hard to ensure greater representation for a variety of users. It’s all part of Cook’s mantra that Apple should be a “force for good” in the world.
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
