A useful app makes a particular task easier to start, understand or finish. It does not have to organise your whole life. For neurodivergent people, a planner, task breakdown tool and conversation aid may each help with different moments. Begin with the task that is costing you the most effort this week.
Compare tools by the task you need
| Task | Option | Free and paid limits |
|---|---|---|
| See your day or focus on one task | Tiimo | Free planning tools, to-do lists and focus timer; Pro adds features such as AI task breakdown |
| Turn a vague task into steps | Goblin Tools | Existing web tools are free; mobile apps and some advanced Pro features are paid |
| Prepare a request or reply | tonen on iPhone | 21 free scripts and one use each of Reply Helper, Perspective Helper and Debrief; optional Premium adds more |
We make tonen. These tools do different jobs; this is not an independent ranking or a claim of clinical testing. Publisher information was checked on 15 October 2026.
Tiimo is a visual planner. Its ongoing free tier is separate from its seven-day Pro trial. Check Tiimo's current features and platforms.
Goblin Tools offers small AI tools, including task breakdown. Check suggestions for missing or unsuitable steps; generated output is not a statement of fact. Check Goblin Tools' free web and paid options.
tonen supports conversation preparation and wording rather than schedules or task management. It is not speech-generating AAC. Explore tonen's conversation scripts.
For a comparison focused on ongoing free access, see free apps for autistic adults.
Start with the free tools in tonen.
On iPhone, tonen includes 21 free conversation scripts, Box Breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding and one free use each of Reply Helper, Perspective Helper and Debrief. No subscription is needed for these free tools. Premium is optional.
Download on the App StoreAvailable on iOS.
Build a small toolkit
List the jobs you want help with before listing apps: remembering an appointment, seeing the day, turning a vague project into steps or asking for a change. Choose one main place for each job. If the same task lives in three planners, keeping them consistent can become more work than the original task. Use the controls you need and leave decorative tracking or streaks switched off if they distract you.
A practical example
For “book the dentist”, the barrier might be remembering, knowing the steps or making the call. A reminder handles the first. A breakdown might list finding the number, checking your diary and calling. A script handles “I would like to book an appointment; what times are available?” These tools complement one another only when each has a clear job.
Try it in your own setting
Run a modest trial using an existing routine rather than creating a complete new system. Notice how much setup, notification management and correction the app requires. Keep it if it helps you complete the task or understand the next action. Replace it if you are mostly maintaining the system. Your preference for paper, a plain note or a familiar calendar is also useful evidence.
Explore the related practical guide →
What is free in tonen?
Alongside 21 scripts, the free plan includes Box Breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding and one use each of Reply Helper, Perspective Helper and Debrief. Premium adds the full library, Phone Call Mode, Body Scan, Safe Place and 50 weekly requests shared across the three Helpers. Scripts and Calm exercises available on your device work offline; Helpers need internet and can miss context.
Frequently asked questions
Start with one task and one tool. Give each app a clear role so you do not create extra work maintaining duplicate plans.
Run a modest trial using an existing routine rather than creating a complete new system.
No. tonen supports wording for conversations, requests and replies. Use a planner for schedules and task management.