The Abby app (officially called Identifor Companion) was designed for autistic people, to support many of their everyday needs in a different way. It uses a friendly human character named Abby to answer questions, give reminders and walk people through daily tasks. (This article was first published in 2017, so check the app stores for the latest version and availability.)
Autism App “Identifor Companion” features Abby, an Interactive Humanoid Companion
What Is the Abby App?
Abby supports autistic young people by answering the many questions they might otherwise not get answers to.
Because the Abby app is online, it is available around the clock and can be used at any time of the day.
MUST READ: Top Apps for Autism that Actually Work!
The Companion app is designed to give answers a personal face and to help people with special needs with their day-to-day activities.
What the Abby App Can Do
Abby, the app’s character, uses artificial intelligence (AI), which takes two-way communication between people and machines to the next level.
Abby helps answer common questions, for example how to handle complex situations that may come up at work, not just in the office but in personal life too.
Abby also gives reminders about daily living activities, such as time to wake up and when the person has had enough screen time.
She can also remind people to take specific medications at a set time.
Abby helps kids with their classes during recess breaks. The app developers say there is nothing Abby cannot do, and stress:
If you can visualize the need, Abby can assist you in reminding about it.
Abby is also programmed to tell people about the weather and to give advance warning of upcoming changes in routine (which many autistic people find unsettling when they come without notice).
Using a combination of AI and preset settings, Abby helps people decide what clothes or accessories they may need for the day’s weather.
Abby is also integrated with Google Maps to help people get to their destinations safely, with step-by-step directions for walking and driving.
Information about public transport and ride services such as Uber is also available in the app.
A really good feature of the Identifor Companion app is that it goes a step further by showing people how to do things in an easy, step-by-step way.
The app learns as it goes. It observes the person’s daily routine and, over time, adapts to their lifestyle.
Who Made the Abby App?
Identifor, the company behind the app, was founded by husband-and-wife team Cuong Do and Lori Rickles. The app is designed to support both autistic people and their parents.
Several newer apps also use the name Abby, including AI chat apps for emotional support. This article is about Identifor Companion, the 2017 app built for autistic people and their families, so check the developer name before you download.
Is an Autism AI App Right for Your Child?
An autism AI app like Abby can be a helpful tool, but it works best alongside the people in your child’s life, not instead of them. Some things to think about:
- Start with your child’s goals. Do they want help with routines, getting around on their own or knowing what’s coming next? Choose an app that matches what matters to them.
- Try it together first. Explore the app side by side so your child feels in control, and check whether the voice, visuals and notifications feel comfortable for their senses.
- Keep privacy in mind. Apps that learn routines and use location collect personal data. Read the privacy settings and decide together what to share.
- Use it to build independence, not pressure. Reminders and predictable warnings about change can reduce stress. Adjust or switch off features that feel nagging.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
