The heartache of not knowing if your child understands you is a feeling many parents of nonverbal children share. When my son Hayden was mostly nonverbal, with only a few words and no way to communicate effectively, I often questioned if he knew I loved him.
The longing to hear him say, “I love you, too, Mommy,” was not just about me. It was about wanting him to be able to connect with friends, laugh, play, and experience the joys of childhood.
I hoped for the day he’d ask to play at a friend’s house or get into the usual mischief that kids do, but each day without these communication milestones felt like a missed opportunity for him.
In 2007, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps weren’t available—apps didn’t even exist yet. Communication tools like core boards were not common knowledge and required guidance from specialists.
Today, technological advancements have brought us powerful AAC apps. These apps can bridge the communication gap for children like Hayden, creating opportunities for them to express themselves and connect with the world around them.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top AAC apps available now, helping you choose the best one to unlock your child’s potential and give them the voice they deserve.
Best AAC Apps for Children with Disabilities
- Proloquo2Go: Offers a variety of communication options, including symbols and text-to-speech, and some users may prefer a combination of both.
- LAMP Words for Life: Primarily focuses on symbol-based communication with a robust symbols library.
- TouchChat: Provides symbol-based communication and features like text input and customization options.
Choosing the right AAC app for your child might initially feel overwhelming, with each app offering unique features and benefits tailored to different needs.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comparison table highlighting the features of the top AAC apps. This table will provide a clear overview of each app’s strengths and considerations, making it easier to find the best fit for your child’s communication needs.
Comprehensive Comparison of Best AAC Apps
| Feature | Proloquo2Go | LAMP Words for Life | TouchChat |
| Target Audience | Suitable for both beginners and advanced communicators. | Designed for individuals with language development needs through consistent motor planning. | Suitable for users of all ages and communication levels. |
| Customization | Highly customizable, with options for vocabulary, appearance, and button size adjustments. | Limited customization. Emphasizes consistent motor movements. | Moderate customization with the WordPower option. Users can add and hide/edit buttons. |
| Symbol Set | Offers over 27,000 symbols and allows users to add photos. | Focuses on core vocabulary and motor planning. | Provides WordPower vocabulary with various board sizes. |
| Speech Output | Over 100 natural-sounding text-to-speech voices and supports bilingual use. | Basic text-to-speech with limited voices. | Text-to-speech with voice options, including additional purchases. |
| Complexity | May be complex for younger users or those needing a simpler interface. | Simplified interface but limited vocabulary customization. | The combination of symbols, text input, and social features can be complex for younger children. |
| Learning Support | Uses consistent motor planning to facilitate language learning. | Provides a structured framework for language development. | Includes social features like chat, email, and video call integration. |
| Accessibility Features | Supports switch scanning and is compatible with Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader. | Limited accessibility features, primarily designed for motor planning. | Offers head tracking for users with limited hand use on newer devices. |
| Platform Compatibility | Available on iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches. | Available on iPads and dedicated AAC devices. | Available on iPads and dedicated AAC devices. |
| Free Trial | Free trial available. | Free trial available. | Free trial available. |
| Price | $249.99 | $299.99 | $149.99 for TouchChat HD—AAC, $299.99 for TouchChat HD—AAC w/ WordPower. |
| Overall Recommendation | Ideal for users needing extensive customization and symbol support. | Best for individuals who benefit from a structured motor planning approach to language development. | Suitable for users seeking a versatile app with social features and moderate customization. |
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go is a popular AAC app among parents, teachers, and therapists. The app supports individuals with diverse speech and motor skill needs. Its highly customizable, symbol-based interface allows users to tailor their communication experience to their unique needs and preferences, making it especially effective for those with fine motor skill challenges.
The app’s customization options include adjusting vocabulary, appearance, and button sizes. Users can create personalized buttons from over 27,000 symbols or use their own photos, offering flexibility in communication.
With over 100 natural-sounding text-to-speech voices and support for bilingual use, including mid-sentence language switching, Proloquo2Go empowers users to communicate effectively. Its focus on consistent motor planning provides a structured framework for enhancing language learning and communication abilities.
Proloquo2Go accommodates users at different stages of language development with various pre-programmed grid sizes and supports switch scanning for individuals with limited motor control. Additionally, it is compatible with Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader, making it accessible to those with visual impairments.
By allowing users to incorporate their own photos or choose from a rich library of symbols, Proloquo2Go promotes engagement and encourages a sense of ownership over the communication process.
Here are the pros and cons of Proloquo2Go:
Pros and Cons of Proloquo2go
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly Customizable: Proloquo2Go offers extensive vocabulary customization, allowing you to tailor the app to your child’s needs and interests. You can add new words and phrases, change button sizes and layouts, and even upload personal photos. | Cost: Proloquo2Go is one of the most expensive AAC apps. It has a base price, and additional features like voices often require in-app purchases, making it a significant investment. |
| Predictable Symbols: Proloquo2Go uses Predictable Symbols, a widely recognized system that promotes consistent learning. Additionally, it boasts high-quality text-to-speech voices, making communication more engaging and natural-sounding. | Complexity: With its extensive features and customization options, Proloquo2Go can overwhelm some users, especially younger children who benefit from a simpler interface. |
| Accessibility: Proloquo2Go caters to users with varying physical abilities by offering switch scanning and eye gaze compatibility, allowing greater independence and participation in communication. | Limited Grammar Support: Proloquo2Go does not include advanced grammar support, like verb conjugations and plurals, which may limit users’ ability to develop grammatical skills. |
| Phrase Prediction: Proloquo2Go’s phrase prediction feature anticipates your child’s next word or phrase based on past usage, speeding up communication and promoting sentence construction. | Limited Social Features: Compared to some other AAC apps, Proloquo2Go offers minimal built-in social features. Social interaction is crucial for development, so depending on your child’s needs, this might be a consideration. |
| Learning Activities: While less extensive than some programs, Proloquo2Go offers some learning activities that can reinforce vocabulary and communication skills. |
Proloquo2Go is highly recommended by AAC professionals for its user-friendly layout, making it suitable for users with varying levels of technological proficiency. Its powerful features and extensive customization options provide great flexibility.
Compatible with iPads and dedicated AAC devices, Proloquo2Go offers versatility in choosing the best device for your child’s needs. The app provides a free trial, allowing you to explore its features and determine if it fits your child well before purchasing.
Proloquo2Go is currently $249 on the App Store.
LAMP Words for Life
LAMP Words for Life is an innovative AAC app developed by PRC-Saltillo based on the “language acquisition through motor planning” (LAMP) methodology. This approach emphasizes consistent motor movement for each word, making language production easier and more natural for users.
The app explains that, like verbal speech, where each word has a specific mouth movement, consistent motor patterns on the AAC device help make communication more intuitive and automatic over time. This consistency allows users to build phrases and sentences independently, following a developmental progression.
LAMP Words for Life offers a robust communication system with thousands of words and a vocabulary builder, simplifying the learning process while maintaining consistency. One key benefit is that users don’t need to understand the meaning of pictures to communicate effectively; they can rely on consistent motor patterns instead. This feature makes it accessible for individuals without prerequisite language or picture discrimination skills.
LAMP Words for Life provides a structured language learning and motor planning framework, supporting unlimited growth without constant relearning. It’s an excellent choice for children with disabilities who benefit from a systematic approach to communication.
To give you a better sense of what LAMP Words for Life has to offer, here are some pros and cons of the app:
Pros and Cons of LAMP Words for Life
| Pros | Cons |
| Focus on Core Words: LAMP Words for Life prioritizes core vocabulary, the most frequently used words in everyday communication. Core vocabulary is a strong foundation for early language learners and individuals with limited communication skills. | Limited Customization: Compared to other AAC apps, LAMP Words for Life offers limited vocabulary customization. You can only add a small number of new words, and it’s challenging to personalize the interface significantly. |
| Simple and Consistent Interface: The app uses a consistent layout and motor planning approach. Each word has a dedicated button location, promoting more effortless learning and quicker communication for users. | No Phrase Prediction: The app lacks phrase prediction features, which could slow communication for some users. |
| Suitable for All Ages: LAMP Words for Life’s focus on core vocabulary and simplicity makes it a good option for users of all ages, from beginners to those with more advanced communication needs. | Basic Speech Output: LAMP Words for Life uses basic text-to-speech voices, which might sound less natural than other AAC apps. |
| Social Features: The app allows communication during video calls and sharing messages, promoting social interaction and connection. | Limited Accessibility: While switch scanning is available, LAMP Words for Life offers fewer accessibility features compared to some competitors. |
| Voices: LAMP Words for Life recently added a new “Voice Keeper Kids” feature, which allows you to record a family member to donate their voice to your child. They also have 35+ existing voices in three languages. | No Learning Activities: The app does not include built-in learning activities to supplement communication development. |
LAMP Words for Life is worth considering if you’re looking for an AAC app that combines motor planning with a comprehensive communication system. It provides a structured and practical approach to language learning, making it an invaluable tool for individuals with disabilities.
The app offers a free trial, allowing you to explore its features before committing to the full price.
LAMP Words for Life is currently $299.99 on the App Store.
TouchChat by Saltillo
TouchChat by Saltillo is a high-tech AAC app developed by PRC-Saltillo, a renowned company specializing in AAC devices and communication apps. This app seamlessly integrates with their durable AAC devices, smoothly transitioning from the app to a dedicated communication device.
To cater to a wide range of users, TouchChat offers pre-programmed boards specifically tailored for different age groups and populations. These boards provide a sophisticated interface with multiple buttons per page, promoting language development and growth.
TouchChat offers three apps:
WordPower is a word-based vocabulary that allows for easy and intuitive communication. One of its benefits is that it provides opportunities for more language development. From 20 to 80 buttons per page, WordPower boards allow users to access as many buttons as they want.
Customization options empower users to hide or edit buttons as needed. This flexibility ensures individuals can personalize their communication experience according to their unique preferences and requirements.
Additionally, TouchChat features head tracking for users with limited hand use. If you have a new iPad Pro or iPhone, TouchChat can track your head and face movements.
TouchChat continues beyond its robust features and provides extensive online support and resources. From webinars to training materials, TouchChat aims to assist users in maximizing the app’s potential for effective communication. Here are the pros and cons of TouchChat:
Pros and Cons of TouchChat by Saltillo
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatility: TouchChat offers symbols and text input, catering to users with varying communication styles and abilities. This feature makes it adaptable as your child’s needs evolve. | Complexity: TouchChat’s combination of symbols, text input, and social features can make learning more complex than LAMP Words for Life and might be challenging for younger children. |
| Social Features: TouchChat boasts more social features than the other two apps on this list. It allows for chat, email (may require setup), and video call integration, promoting social interaction and connection. | Limited Accessibility: Similar to LAMP Words for Life, TouchChat offers fewer accessibility features than Proloquo2Go. |
| Customization Options: While less extensive than Proloquo2Go, TouchChat offers moderate vocabulary customization. You can add new words and phrases, allowing some personalization for your child’s needs. | No Grammar Support: TouchChat lacks built-in grammar support, like verb conjugations or plurals. |
| Text Prediction: TouchChat provides text prediction to speed up communication for users who can spell or type. | No Learning Activities: The app does not include any learning activities to supplement communication development. |
With seamless integration to dedicated AAC devices, extensive customization options, and ample support resources, TouchChat by Saltillo is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-tech AAC app with a user-friendly experience.
TouchChat’s pricing is similar to Proloquo2Go and LAMP Words for Life, which makes it a significant investment. While the app offers many features, additional in-app purchases may be required. The app offers a 30-day risk-free trial, allowing you to explore all its features and determine if it meets your child’s needs.
TouchChat HD—AAC is currently available for $149.99 on the App Store, and TouchChat HD—AAC w/ WordPower is available for $299.99.
To find the best AAC app for your child, consult a therapist, such as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), who can assess your child’s communication needs and guide you in testing different options. Some children may benefit from using multiple AAC apps or alternative methods like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or sign language.
Building communication skills is a journey. AAC apps can be powerful allies in helping children find their voice. Discover more about AAC options for your child’s needs in our other comprehensive articles:
- What is the Difference Between High and Low-Tech AAC? – Discover how different AAC solutions cater to unique communication needs and environments.
- What is PECS Communication? – Learn about the Picture Exchange Communication System and how it empowers nonverbal individuals to communicate effectively.
- What is a Core Board? – Understand the benefits of using one to facilitate language development and communication.
- What is the Difference Between PECS and Core Boards? – Explore the distinctions and applications of these two popular AAC tools.
