Break It Down Tech Tools for Task Analysis
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PSN Team 
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Tech Tools for Task Analysis
How do we teach our children independence? How do we define “independence”? Independence is usually defined differently by each parent based on their child’s abilities and stage of development. You probably would not expect a pre-school aged child to cook themselves breakfast, however it is possible that you might expect your older teenager or young adult to be able to make a simple meal.
So, with all of the expectations that we have for our children, what can we do to prevent us from getting into the dreaded nagging mode… asking over and over for something to be done or having to remind our children of every little step of every routine? A lot of a child’s success can depend on their learning style since children have different ways that they learn best. Some are visual- they need to see information in print or picture form to remember it. Others are more auditory- they memorize information that they hear (think of that kid that knows the word to every song after only hearing it a couple of times). Many children use both visual and auditory input to learn new information.
Using task-analysis (breaking down the task into small, manageable steps) can be a great way to support your child towards independence. You have likely used this strategy without realizing it. Each time we break down a task into steps we are performing a task-analysis. Putting these steps into a format that the child can view and complete at their own pace (either on paper or electronically using an app) can help build independence when learning new skills as well as to practice daily routines. This strategy can be used with all kinds of routines from hygiene activities such as brushing teeth to school activities and job skills. It is even used to remind children of the daily schedule– a visual schedule is actually a task analysis of what the day will look like. We, at BridgingApps, decided to take a look at some apps for task analysis, breaking down which ones might work best at various stages of development. Let’s transform that nagging into support by checking out some fun ways to engage your child towards being as independent as they can be.
Preschool/Early Elementary
Types of activities:
- Getting ready for school (brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast)
- Putting away school items after school (giving parent papers/ notes from teacher, emptying and putting away lunch box and ice packs, putting backpack and school shoes where they belong)
- Getting ready for after school activities (therapy appointments, sports, music or art classes)
- Making a simple after school snack
Visual Working For
By AME Mobile Inc.
Visual Working For by AME Mobile Inc. is an educational iOS app designed to support children—especially visual thinkers or those on the autism spectrum—by using a simple “working-for” board. The app provides two main visual cues:
- Now vs Next: Shows what the child is currently doing and what’s coming up.
- Reinforcement: Helps motivate by displaying a preferred activity or reward (“working for”) after a less desirable task
With intuitive tap-to-progress functionality, it breaks down schedules into manageable steps, reduces anxiety, and enhances predictability in daily routines.
Price: $2.99
Choiceworks
By Bee Visual, LLC
Choiceworks is an app for helping children complete daily routines and tasks, understanding and controlling feelings and to improve their patience. Designed for caregivers to provide clear and consistent support to foster a child’s independence, positive behavior, and emotional regulation at home and in the community.
Price: $24.99
Brili Routines – Visual Timer
By Brili GmbH
A dynamic routine‑management tool originally aimed at children (especially those with ADHD), now also used by adults. It lets you create customizable routines with timers, visual countdowns, dynamic time adjustments (so routines always end on time), and reward systems (stars and charts). Kids use “Kid Mode” while parents customize and monitor remotely.
Price: Free | Offers In-App Purchases
Upper Elementary/Junior High Students
Types of activities:
- Getting ready for school (showering, eating breakfast, making sure you have homework)
- Putting away school items after school (giving parent papers/ notes from teacher, emptying and putting away lunch box and ice packs, putting backpack and school shoes where they belong)
- Completing homework and putting it in backpack
- Completing simple chores around the house
Visual Schedule Planner
By Good Karma Applications, Inc.
A fully customizable audio-visual daily planner designed for individuals (especially those with autism, learning delays, ABI). Offers daily/weekly/monthly views with custom images, sounds, timers, checklists, notes, password protection, video modeling, and activity schedules to break down complex tasks. Great for easing transitions and supporting independent routines.
Price: $14.99
Choiceworks Calendar
By Bee Visual, LLC
A picture-based calendar tool helping children—and caregivers—visualize upcoming days, weeks, and months. Features 275+ images/audio, video attachments, recurring events, countdowns, visual timers, notifications, and printing/sharing capability. Useful for teaching abstract concepts of time and reducing anxiety around upcoming events
Price: $11.99
High School/Adults
Types of activities:
- Getting ready for school or work (showering, eating breakfast)
- Completing homework and putting it in backpack
- Cooking a simple meal
- Riding public transportation
- Learning a new job skill or responsibility
Task AnalysisLIFE
By Joey Costa
TaskAnalysis is a highly customizable app that can support individuals with intellectual disabilities to independently and efficiently complete tasks. Tasks can be broken down into manageable steps whereby users can access picture, text, and audio support, along with video prompting and video modeling supports all within one app. TaskAnalysis also works on GPS location and will automatically populate tasks associated with a particular location. For example, tasks can be created for users to support them at work, home, school or any other location.
Price: FREE
Sequencing Tasks: Life Skills
By Judy Lynn Software, Inc.
An app designed to help users learn everyday sequences (e.g., brushing teeth, preparing meals) through visual storyboards and ordering activities. Supports development of executive function and independence by teaching routines in a structured, interactive format.
Price: Free | Offers In-App Purchases
MagnusCards: Life Skills Guide
By Magnusmode LTD
A free, inclusive living–skills platform built around “Card Decks” — each offering step-by-step visual guidance for real-world tasks. Decks are co-created with venues and autistic advisors. The app covers daily routines, community tasks, and includes caregiver support via MagnusTeams for tracking progress and reinforcing learning.
Price FREE
Cristen Reat is co-founder of BridgingApps and a mother who found success when using a mobile device with her children who have special needs. Amy Barry is the Content Manager and Editor at BridgingApps and mother of five children. Amy Fuchs is the Program Coordinator at BridgingApps and a former special education teacher.
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This post originally appeared on our September/October 2019 Magazine
