In the past few years, there has been an explosion in the number of mobile apps for kids with autism. Numerous studies have shown the iPad’s impact as a supplement to specialized therapy when it comes to learning and communication for kids with autism.

Still, there is no silver bullet solution when it comes to apps, and each child will benefit from different apps for different reasons. “The key to finding the best app is not to search in the App Store for the disorder, but by the skill you are trying to address,” says Mark Mautone, President at Integrated Technology for Persons with Autism and Development Disabilities (ITPADD). Mautone offers the following criteria for what parents should look for when making their selections:

– Developer’s knowledge in the area in which the app was designed
– App ratings
– Ease-of-use
– Functionality