Can apps support individuals living with FASD?

Supporting a child or adult with FASD often means juggling many moving parts – routines, therapy, school support, health needs, and family life. Accessing professional support and services can be challenging at times, and often families experience long waitlists, high costs, or limited services in some areas.

Whilst mobile apps do not replace professional support, they may play a role in supporting routines, learning, self-regulation, and caregiver wellbeing. Mobile apps may help to:

• Bridge gaps while waiting for professional services
• Support daily routines and structure
• Provide tools for self-regulation and emotional wellbeing (such as mindfulness, sleep, or mood apps).
• Provide carers with confidence and practical strategies to use at home.
• Offer independence and advocacy tools for individuals to better understand and manage their health.

Considerations for using apps safely and effectively

1. Goal setting/function

What is the reason for using this app; what is the learning goal or outcome? Identifying a clear goal will make it easier to choose the most suitable app and will also help your support team (such as therapists or educators) to guide and reinforce its use.

2. Usage plan

When considering an app, think about how you plan to use it and whether it is intended to support you as a carer or to be used directly by your child. Consider whether your child will need supervision while using the app and how it fits into your daily routines. It can also be helpful to discuss the app with your child’s therapist or educator to ensure it complements the strategies and goals they are already working on with your child.

3. Monitor progress

Check regularly to see whether the app is helping your child build the intended skill/supporting behaviour. Simple notes, checklists, or app tracking tools can help spot patterns and help to adjust how the app is used or discuss strategies with your child’s therapist or teacher.

Key Tips for Families

• Use apps alongside professional guidance and support (therapists, educators, doctors).
• Start simple: trial one app at a time
• Check costs before committing – some are free, others may require subscriptions.
• Share app reports (like behaviour logs or routines) with your child’s support team to strengthen communication

How to choose an app

Unfortunately, there isn’t one single comprehensive, Australian-based FASD app that brings together routines, behaviour tracking, resources, and links to services. However, when chosen carefully, apps can be adapted with FASD in mind, and future FASD-specific research and projects may eventually fill those gaps.

The table below provides examples of the different types of apps that exist, and the range of behaviours or skills they may help support.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide only and does not replace tailored clinical advice. The apps mentioned may not be suitable for every person or family. Availability, costs, and features of apps can change over time. We strongly encourage you to:

• Do your own research before downloading or purchasing any app, not all apps are backed by evidence.
• Use apps as support, not as replacements for professional care or therapy.
• Collaborate with your/or your child’s health professional, therapist, or support team about which tools may be helpful and how best to use them.
• You may wish to consider the app’s privacy details before downloading. You can usually do this by checking the app’s product page to learn more about some of the data types the app might collect and how this may be used and/or stored.

If you are concerned about your child’s development or wellbeing, please seek advice from a qualified health professional.