Text-to-Speech Apps for Children with Autism

text-to-speech

Text-to-speech (TTS) apps have become invaluable tools for children with autism, offering a means to communicate and express themselves more effectively. These apps can significantly improve social interaction, language development, and overall quality of life. However, choosing the right app requires understanding the unique features and limitations of each. Below, we explore the pros and cons of several popular TTS apps: Go Talk, Let Me Talk, LAMP, Proloquo2Go, PECS, Viapro iOS, and Nova Chat.

1. Go Talk

Pros:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Go Talk is known for its simple and intuitive design, making it accessible for young users and those with limited experience with technology.
  • Customizable: This text-to-speech app allows for easy customization of vocabulary, images, and buttons, which can be tailored to the child’s needs and preferences.
  • Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than other high-end AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.

Cons:

  • Limited Features: Compared to other apps, Go Talk may lack advanced features like complex sentence structures or predictive text.
  • Basic Graphics: The visual design is somewhat outdated, which may not be as engaging for children.

2. Let Me Talk

Pros:

  • Free and Accessible: Let Me Talk is a free text-to-speech app, making it an excellent starting point for families and educators on a budget.
  • Multilingual Support: It supports multiple languages, which is beneficial for bilingual or multilingual families.
  • Customizable Vocabulary: Users can add and organize words and images according to individual needs.

Cons:

  • Limited Updates: Being a free app, it may not receive regular updates or new features.
  • Basic Functionality: It may not offer the same level of sophistication as paid apps, particularly in terms of speech synthesis and vocabulary expansion.

3. LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning)

Pros:

  • Evidence-Based: LAMP is based on research into motor planning and language development, making it effective for children with motor planning difficulties.
  • Consistent Layout: The app’s consistent layout helps users learn and retain vocabulary more effectively.
  • High Customizability: Allows for extensive customization to cater to individual communication needs.

Cons:

  • Cost: LAMP can be expensive, which may be a barrier for some families.
  • Learning Curve: The app’s complexity might require a steep learning curve for both children and their caregivers or educators.

4. Proloquo2GoText-to-Speech

Pros:

  • Rich Vocabulary: Offers an extensive and growing vocabulary, making it suitable for users of all ages and abilities.
  • High Customizability: Users can personalize the app extensively, from voices to vocabulary organization.
  • Data Tracking: Provides data on usage, which can be helpful for monitoring progress and planning interventions.

Cons:

  • Expensive: The app is relatively costly, which may not be affordable for all families.
  • Complex Interface: The app’s vast array of features can be overwhelming for new users and may require significant time to master.

5. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

Pros:

  • Visual Focus: Uses picture cards to communicate, which can be highly effective for visual learners.
  • Widely Recognized: PECS is a well-established communication system with a strong track record.
  • Structured Learning: The system’s structured phases can help systematically build communication skills.

Cons:

  • Limited Speech Output: Unlike other apps, PECS does not offer synthesized speech, which limits its use as a TTS tool.
  • Physical Components: Requires physical picture cards, which can be cumbersome and easy to lose.

6. Viapro iOS

Pros:

  • Integration with iOS: Designed specifically for iOS devices, offering seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
  • Customizable Features: Users can add and organize vocabulary and images as needed.
  • Affordable: Generally more affordable than some other specialized AAC apps.

Cons:

  • Limited to iOS: Not available on other platforms, which limits accessibility for Android users.
  • Basic Features: May lack some of the more advanced features found in other TTS apps.

7. Nova Chat

Pros:

  • Comprehensive AAC Features: Nova Chat offers a range of tools for communication, including TTS, symbol-based communication, and word prediction.
  • Durable Hardware: Often available as part of a dedicated device, which is robust and suitable for various environments.
  • High Customizability: Extensive options for personalizing vocabulary and interface.

Cons:

  • Cost: Both the app and the dedicated  text-to-speech device can be expensive.
  • Training Required: May require professional training to use effectively, which can be an additional cost and time investment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right TTS app for a child with autism depends on various factors, including the child’s specific communication needs, the family’s budget, and the desired features. While some apps offer advanced capabilities and extensive customization, others provide a more straightforward, cost-effective solution. It’s crucial to consider both the pros and cons of each option and, if possible, try out several apps to determine which one best suits the child’s needs.

We have been a family blessed with the help of the team at The Helm. Our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 2.5 and The Helm was one of the places recommended by our developmental psychologist. I am a physician and still found it hard navigating this new medical problem and knowing what to do next. I called many places and from step one Lee Ann was the most helpful explaining the process with paperwork, assessment, available services, insurance, etc. we were able to start therapy quite soon after diagnosis and had sessions at home daily for 3 hours. The quality of staff, the system they have in place for the therapists, the coordination by the BCBA supervising therapist and early response put us at ease that we were on the right path. Ultimately the steady positive changes we saw with our son overcame any fears we had about autism holding our son back for the rest of his life.

We used many forms of intervention that we felt were individually tailored for our family – for potty training, anger management, dietary intervention and even let them know when we could not maintain something suggested in family training, and they would just take our request and implement another plan. Our son has now graduated/transitioned out of therapy and is currently in pre-K in a regular classroom with him on par with his class in academics, has friends and no behavior issues. Most important of all we have a happy son who loves to play with his big sister.

I know that I will always read all there is on autism and watch my son for any features. But I hope my review adds to positive aspects that I wish someone would have told me when I started the journey – start early, don’t put off your suspicions, get your child evaluated now! The label does not hinder,  in fact it falls to the side once you have the diagnosis to facilitate therapy. ABA intervention, especially done with the right people, makes a big difference. It does not pressure or upset the child at all, and you are not stuck in therapy for life! I know if any behavioral issues come up in the future I have The Helm, and they will help us and the outcome is going to be positive. Said with heartfelt thanks.

– Former Helm ABA Family

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