Head-to-head · Autism Learning Apps
Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) vs AutiLearn: The Calm Planet
Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) leads on 2 checks, AutiLearn: The Calm Planet on 2, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreStories Online For Autism (SOFA) · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) scores higher on our rubric for autism learning apps: 9.1 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.
Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) offers social stories; AutiLearn: The Calm Planet doesn't publish it. AutiLearn: The Calm Planet offers academic practice; Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) doesn't. AutiLearn: The Calm Planet offers offline use; Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) doesn't publish it. Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) offers custom content; AutiLearn: The Calm Planet doesn't publish it.
Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) is the better fit for families wanting a free, customizable social-story app. AutiLearn: The Calm Planet is the better fit for iOS families seeking free, sensory-conscious activities.
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) fits best
Families wanting a free, customizable social-story app
- AutiLearn: The Calm Planet fits best
iOS families seeking free, sensory-conscious activities
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | AutiLearn: The Calm Planet 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Autism Learning Apps | #3 in Autism Learning Apps |
| Best for | Families wanting a free, customizable social-story app | iOS families seeking free, sensory-conscious activities |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) 2/6 · AutiLearn: The Calm Planet 2/6 | ||
| Autism-focused AAC | — | Not published |
| Visual schedules | Not published | Not published |
| Social stories | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Academic practice | — | ✓ (best) |
| Offline use | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Custom content | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not published | Ios |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) is a free mobile app from the University of Bath for parents, carers, teachers, and practitioners supporting autistic children. Adults can create or adapt social stories, add personal photos and text, build… Read the review → |
AutiLearn: The Calm Planet brings learning activities and calming tools together for autistic children and other young learners who benefit from a slower, quieter pace. Its four themed worlds cover calming, social interaction, feelings,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) — where it wins
- Free plan includes story creation, editing, and a pre-written library
- Child profiles, assignments, photos, narration, and feedback support personalization
- Available on both iOS and Android with private or public story options
Where it doesn't
- Mobile deployment only, with no desktop or web version listed
- Does not provide AAC support or academic practice activities
- Support is provided through email
AutiLearn: The Calm Planet — where it wins
- Activities span feelings, routines, social interaction, and academics.
- Break menu includes breathing, a quiet room, calming music, and a comfort pet.
- Offline use, reduced-motion and no-timer options, and parent/teacher summaries.
Where it doesn't
- Available on iOS only.
- Focused on early learning activities rather than a broad curriculum.
- Its app listing does not establish how well it meets each child’s needs.
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA)9.1/10 · Free plan
A free, customizable social-story app with child modes, profiles, photos, and narration.
Visit SOFAFull verdict → - AutiLearn: The Calm Planet7.8/10 · Free plan
Free iOS activities pair early learning with sensory-conscious calming tools.
Visit AutiLearnFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) vs Camp Discovery
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) vs MITA (Mental Imagery Therapy for Autism)
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) vs Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) vs SocialBlossom
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) vs MyVisualRoutine
- Stories Online For Autism (SOFA) vs Speech Kingdom
- Camp Discovery vs AutiLearn: The Calm Planet
- AutiLearn: The Calm Planet vs MITA (Mental Imagery Therapy for Autism)
All autism learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update