As parents of neurodivergent kids, you wear many hats. You’re their biggest cheerleader, their advocate, and sometimes, their translator. The quest for better communication is a shared journey, and it can be significantly enhanced with the best communication apps for autism. These digital tools can open new interaction channels, helping your child express their thoughts, feelings, and needs more effectively. This post will guide you through some of the top apps for communication with autism and how they can benefit your family.
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The Power of Communication Apps
Before we dive into the apps, let’s discuss why they’re so important. Many kids with thinking and learning differences find traditional communication methods challenging. That’s where technology comes in. These apps use visuals, audio cues, and interactive elements to make communication more accessible and enjoyable. They can help reduce frustration, boost confidence, and foster independence.
Read more: Top 3 Apps for Autistic Children
But how do these apps work? Most use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), which involves using symbols, gestures, or technology to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. It’s like giving your child a visual language, one that they can use to connect with the world around them.
Goally: The Top Choice for AAC
Regarding the best communication apps for autism, Goally takes the lead. Goally’s AAC app uses a simple, intuitive interface that kids can easily navigate. With a vast library of symbols and the ability to add custom ones, your child can express various thoughts and feelings. The app also includes a reward system to motivate and engage your child.
Best Parent-Approved AAC App:
Goally comes with an easy-to-use, fully customizable AAC device to help kids communicate. If you’re on a waitlist, this is the fastest way to get your child access to an AAC Talker and start communicating!
Moreover, Goally’s AAC app is designed to grow with your child. As their communication skills improve, the app can adapt to offer more complex language options. It’s not just an app; it’s a long-term communication solution.
Proloquo2Go: A Picture-Based System
Another excellent option is Proloquo2Go. This app uses a picture-based system, allowing kids to construct sentences by selecting relevant images. For example, if your child wants a snack, they can tap the pictures for “I,” “want,” and “apple.” The app then vocalizes the sentence, promoting understanding and response.
Proloquo2Go also offers customization options. You can add photos or choose from their library of over 25,000 symbols. It’s a versatile tool tailored to your child’s needs and preferences.
Read more: 3 Apps to Help With Autism in Kids
Avaz: A Comprehensive Communication Suite
Avaz is another contender in the list of best communication apps for autism. It offers a range of communication tools, from picture boards to a full-fledged keyboard. This app is designed to grow with your child, adapting to their evolving communication needs.
What sets Avaz apart is its user-friendly design. It’s easy for kids and parents to navigate, reducing the learning curve and making communication more seamless. Plus, it includes a feature for tracking your child’s progress, giving you valuable insights into their development.
Selecting the Right App
Choosing the right app for your child is a crucial step. Consider your child’s specific needs and abilities. A non-verbal child might benefit from a picture-based app. In contrast, a child with nuanced motor challenges might prefer an app with larger, easy-to-tap icons. Above all, involve your child in the decision-making process. After all, they’re the ones who will be using the app.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing an app:
- Is it user-friendly?
- Does it offer customization options?
- Can it grow with your child?
- Does it have a reward system to motivate your child?
Help Your Child Learn AAC & Core Language
At Goally, we aim to help every child communicate their thoughts as easily and effectively as possible. Goally’s symbol-based AAC Talker app is easy to use and gives you the option to upload your own pictures and words.
Our language learning package also includes an app called Word Lab. Word Lab teaches users how to use AAC talkers and learn the meanings of core words.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best communication apps for autism meet your child’s unique needs and make communication a more positive experience. These apps are not a replacement for personal interaction but rather a tool to enhance it. They can help your child express themselves more fully, enriching their relationships and understanding of the world. So, why explore these apps and see the difference they can make? Your child has a voice. Let’s help them use it.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
