The kids' software directory

Learning differences

Tools for dyslexia, ADHD, autism and more.

16 researched
1 to know about
90 more on G2, not yet researched

Researched by Peabody

Facts from each maker's own pages (terms, pricing, privacy), with our one-line take. A to Z; we rank nothing until we have tried it.

Desk researchFreeNo ads
Bookshare
Benetech (nonprofit) · ages all ages (PreK-12 students through adults)
A free, practical library for US students with a documented print disability; families without that need should use a public library app instead.
Desk researchPaidNo ads
C-Pen Reader
C-Pen (sold in the US by Scanning Pens) · ages school-age readers and adults
Worth a look for a child with dyslexia who reads paper books and worksheets; ask the school first, since many lend them.
Desk researchFree, with paid extras
Cboard
Cboard (Comunicacion Aumentativa Chile SpA) · ages all ages (children and adults who need AAC)
A low-cost way for families and therapists to try AAC on existing devices; families who need a fully supported, ad-free system funded through insurance may prefer a dedicated AAC product.
Desk researchPaidNo ads
EndeavorRx
Akili, Inc. (agreed in 2024 to be bought by Virtual Therapeutics) · ages 8-17 with ADHD (prescription)
Worth asking your child's doctor about as one part of an ADHD plan; do not expect it to replace medication or therapy.
Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads
Goblin Tools
Skyhook BV (Bram De Buyser) · ages about 10 and up (App Store rating 9+)
Helpful for teens who struggle to start tasks, ideally set up with a parent; younger kids need an adult using it with them.
Desk researchFree, with paid extras
Joon
Joon App, Inc. · ages 6-12
Worth a try for families of kids 6-12 who resist routines; parents can leave the AI voice off and judge results for themselves.
Desk researchPaidNo ads
Learning Ally
Learning Ally, Inc. (nonprofit) · ages grades PreK-12, plus college and adults
A strong choice for a child with dyslexia or a print disability who needs grade-level books; check first whether the school already provides it free.
Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads
Lexia Core5 Reading
Lexia (Cambium Learning Group) · ages pre-K to grade 5
One of the better-evidenced school reading programs, especially for struggling and disadvantaged readers; families get it only through a school.
Desk researchFreeNo ads
Microsoft Immersive Reader
Microsoft · ages all ages (helpful from early readers up)
A useful free helper for any child who struggles with print, especially with dyslexia; it supports reading but does not teach it.
Desk researchFree, with paid extras
NaturalReader
NaturalSoft Ltd (Canada) · ages older students and adults; school EDU plans
Useful for teens and parents who want text read aloud; younger children are better served by a school-managed reader.
Desk researchPaid
Nessy Reading and Spelling
Nessy Learning Ltd · ages about 6-11
A solid pick for families of struggling or dyslexic early readers who want a structured phonics routine; skip it if you want proven results from independent trials.
Desk researchPaidNo ads
Proloquo2Go
AssistiveWare B.V. · ages children and adults
A leading choice for families and therapists who need a full AAC system on Apple devices; families on a budget should ask about insurance or school funding first.
Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads
Read&Write
Everway (formerly Texthelp) · ages grades K-12 and adults
A solid support tool for kids with dyslexia or reading gaps, usually best gotten through school; families buying alone pay $184 a year.
Desk researchPaidNo ads
Scanning Pens (C-Pen reading pens)
Scanning Pens (Empowering Tech Group) · ages about 6 and up
A practical tool for children with dyslexia who read paper books and worksheets; families mostly reading on screens can use free built-in text-to-speech instead.
Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads
Speechify
Speechify Inc. · ages teens and adults; children only on a parent's account
Useful for a teen with dyslexia who needs to listen to schoolwork; younger children have simpler free options such as Immersive Reader.
Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads
Tiimo
Tiimo A/S · ages about 9+ (App Store rating)
A good fit for a teen with ADHD who wants to plan their own day; younger kids need a parent to set it up and watch the data settings.

Know before you buy

Shut down, exposed children's data, or said unsafe things in tests.

WarningFreeNo ads
Project Relate
Google Research · ages adults only (18+)
Not an option for children; families of adults with non-standard speech can watch for it to reopen, and kids should look to AAC apps and speech therapy instead.

Also listed on G2

Products G2 files here that we have not researched yet, in G2's order. Most are built for adults or businesses. G2 categories: Special Education Software, Neurodiversity Cognitive Assessment Software.