What is AAC?
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) refers to various methods and tools used to support or replace speech for individuals with communication challenges. These systems can range from basic communication boards and picture symbols to advanced speech-generating devices and mobile apps. AAC is essential for helping non-verbal individuals or those with limited speech abilities express themselves, supporting communication for people with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and aphasia.
Below is a list of popular AAC apps used in speech therapy:
1. Proloquo2Go
- Overview: One of the most widely used AAC apps, Proloquo2Go offers a symbol-based communication system for children, teens, and adults with speech impairments.
- Key Features:
- Customizable vocabulary grids
- Word prediction
- Voice options and bilingual support (English and Spanish)
- Best For: Nonverbal individuals or those with speech difficulties from autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc.
2. Avaz AAC
- Overview: Avaz is a picture and text-based AAC app designed for individuals with speech delays and communication challenges.
- Key Features:
- Multiple grid sizes and visual vocabulary options
- Easy-to-customize settings
- Integrated with a text-to-speech feature
- Best For: Early communicators, children with autism, and those with speech delay.
3. TD Snap (Tobii Dynavox)
- Overview: TD Snap offers a variety of communication options including symbol-based pages for users with different communication levels.
- Key Features:
- Integrated core vocabulary system
- Extensive symbol library
- Language support for all communication levels
- Best For: Individuals with autism, aphasia, and motor speech disorders.
4. TouchChat HD
- Overview: TouchChat provides a communication solution that uses symbols or words for non-verbal individuals. It can be customized for different levels of communicators.
- Key Features:
- Variety of grid sizes for different abilities
- Voice synthesizer options
- Customizable buttons and vocabulary
- Best For: Individuals with complex communication needs, including those with autism and ALS.
5. LAMP Words for Life
- Overview: Based on the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) approach, this app focuses on developing language and communication for those with limited verbal abilities.
- Key Features:
- High-frequency word layouts for motor learning
- Consistent location of icons to support learning
- Best For: Children with autism and individuals with motor planning issues.
6. Speak for Yourself
- Overview: A robust app that promotes independent communication by providing access to a large vocabulary of over 14,000 words.
- Key Features:
- Two-button system for quick access to words
- Word search feature
- Customizable icons and vocabulary
- Best For: Users with developmental disabilities like autism and cerebral palsy.
7. GoTalk NOW
- Overview:
- GoTalk NOW offers customizable communication boards with both text-to-speech and recorded voice options.
- Key Features:
- this app Includes both visual and auditory output
- Full customization of boards, icons, and language
- Best For: Individuals with complex communication needs.
8. CoughDrop AAC
Overview:
- CoughDrop is a cloud-based AAC app that provides symbol and text communication for those with communication difficulties. CoughDrop is a simple, modern AAC communication and support tool that empowers individuals and the teams around them. It is a full-featured communication app built for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome, or other complex communication needs. CoughDrop is flexible and configurable enough to accommodate the access and comprehension needs of many communicators.
- Key Features:
- Collaborative features for therapists and parents
- Sync across multiple devices
- Customizable vocabulary sets
- free trial of two months
- Best For: Children and adults who need flexible, remote AAC support.
9. MyTalkTools Mobile AAC
Overview: MyTalkTools Mobile is a next generation AAC app that helps people with communication difficulties say what they want with sequences of words, sounds and images.You choose the content (simple grids or boards with bold images) and play recorded sounds when you touch a cell. The sequences can even form complete sentences.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use customization of vocabulary grids
- Compatible with both text and symbols
- Cloud support for sharing boards
- Best For: Speech-impaired individuals of all ages.
10. Sono Flex (Tobii Dynavox) $ 99.99
Overview: Sono Flex now TdSnap is designed to help caregivers and communication partners personalize content to foster language skills by:
Key Features:
- Mixing phrase-based and word-based communication
- Combining situations or topics with vocabulary categorized by grammar
- Finding balance between conversational and individual needs
- Over 11,000 SymbolStix symbols
- Vocabulary tailored for different situations
- Best For: Early and mid-level communicators.
Free AAC Apps
Here are some free AAC apps that offer useful features at no cost:
Jellow Communicator
- Overview: Jellow is an AAC app designed to support individuals with speech and communication difficulties. Developed in India, it uses expressive icons and is designed to be user-friendly, especially for children and adults with cognitive and communication impairments.
- Key Features:
- Simple, icon-based interface with expressive symbols
- Pre-set phrases and sentences for quick communication
- Available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and other regional languages
- Best For: Early communicators, individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental delays.
Jellow stands out as an accessible, easy-to-use AAC app with a focus on supporting non-verbal individuals, particularly in resource-limited settings. It promotes communication through a colorful, intuitive design, making it a great tool for children and adults alike.
LetMeTalk
- Overview: A free AAC app that uses pictures and symbols to support communication.
- Key Features:
- Thousands of symbols and words
- Offline functionality
- Best For: Beginners and those seeking a no-cost AAC solution.
Avaz Lite AAC
- Overview: A lighter version of Avaz AAC that offers basic features for free.
- Key Features:
- Basic symbols and limited customization options
- Free trial with essential AAC tools
- Best For: Individuals exploring AAC before upgrading to paid apps.
Card Talk
- Overview: A simple communication app with customizable cards that include both text and pictures.
- Key Features:
- Create your own communication cards
- Simple to navigate and use
- Best For: Individuals needing a basic AAC system.
Voice4U
- Overview: A free version of Voice4U that provides visual aids to support communication.
- Key Features:
- Pictorial communication boards
- Text-to-speech capabilities
- Best For: Children and adults who need visual supports for communication.
AAC Speech Buddy
- Overview: A free AAC app aimed at providing basic communication support through customizable picture boards.
- Key Features:
- Easy to customize
- Text-to-speech options
- Best For: Basic AAC communication needs and younger users.
These AAC apps are valuable tools in speech therapy, helping individuals with communication challenges express themselves more effectively. The apps can be tailored to fit each user’s unique needs, ensuring accessibility and ease of communication.