By: Jennifer Bullock

During this month, some applications are available at reduced prices and there are some that are always completely free. We’ve put together a little list of some popular applications/devices below. Also if you aren’t sure where to start with your child, we have some information at the end of this post about how you can start the process. 

There are many options from devices to software, applications in the cloud to communication boards but here are just a few:

• Proloquo2Go, currently the most popular AAC software, is available for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. If you were interested in purchasing this software, it is currently available at 50% off until October 16th. 
• *While we reference this software in our AAC program it is not required to use; you can adapt our program to many other AAC software.
• TD Snap is, “A symbol-supported AAC software offering a choice of solutions, complete with tools and resources.” Under the Tobii Dynovox brand, there are several programs available with different uses and benefits depending on what the user needs. They also offer the software on dedicated devices as well. 
• Weave Chat AAC is free (always) and is available for iOS, Android, & Kindle products. 
• TouchChat HD AAC is another iPhone, iPad, and iPod compatible software 
• CoughDrop is an application that is located in the cloud - and accessible across multiple devices like iPad, Chromebook, Kindle, and more. 
• Lingraphica, which created the TouchTalk device, offers a set of free communication boards as well.
• FluentAAC, another application, also provides communication boards for download.
• The Spellers Method is also an AAC - to learn more about that, visit their website or watch the fascinating documentary.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines AAC as:

AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can’t talk.

There are a lot of different types of AAC. No-tech and low-tech options include things like

• gestures and facial expressions,
• writing,
• drawing,
• spelling words by pointing to letters, and
• pointing to photos, pictures, or written words.

High-tech options include things like

• using an app on an iPad or tablet to communicate and
• using a computer with a “voice," sometimes called a speech-generating device. 

If you you think your child could benefit from an AAC device, but you don’t know where to start – you can take one of these steps:

• Discuss the need with your child’s pediatrician, often they will need to give a referral to an SLP (speech language pathologist) that can evaluate your child for an AAC device.
• If your child is already in speech therapy, talk to their therapist and ask for an evaluation.
• You can always look for a private-practice SLP who is qualified to evaluate your child and go directly to them as well.
  
  

Jennifer Bullock, Contributing Author

Homeschooling-experienced mom to a tween, non-speaking daughter, Jennifer is also Marketing Outreach Coordinator for The Autism Oasis. With 20+ years experience in marketing, advertising, and social media communications, you will see her occasionally supporting the blog and social media channels with various content related to Autism Oasis.