The Best Communication Apps for Autism

Autism can impact the ability to speak. This is broadly referred to as nonverbal autism, but it’s experienced in many different ways. While some autistic people are fully nonspeaking, others have speech that comes and goes. Depending on the person, they might lose access unexpectedly, or only when they’re overwhelmed, anxious, or overstimulated. There are also people who never fully lose the ability, but find it mentally taxing and prefer to use less draining methods of communication. No matter the experience, being unable to speak doesn’t mean you have nothing to say. Fortunately, there are tools that can help.

Communication apps for autism fall under the umbrella of AAC or augmentative and alternative communication. This term describes any tools that help people express themselves without using spoken language. It includes things like text-to-speech and symbol-based communication boards. For a more thorough breakdown of the different types, see our article, What Is AAC?

AAC for Autism

Modern AAC tools are available as apps on smartphones and tablets, making them easy to carry and use throughout the day. They can help when speech is unreliable, difficult to use, or inaccessible. They give users the ability to communicate more independently and confidently. For this reason, they are widely used by autistic people of all ages.

Colloquially, AAC apps are often called something else. Some terms that we’ve come across include:

  • Talker
  • Talking app
  • Nonverbal communication app
  • Talking buttons
  • Speaking app

Whatever you call them, it’s all the same concept: a communication aid. These apps generally convert typed words, symbols, or phrases into spoken language, making everyday communication easier for people with trouble speaking.

Below are some of the best communication apps for autism, including both free and paid options.

What is the best communication app for autism?

The best communication app for autism is the one that works best for the individual. There are many different AAC apps available, and each one has its own unique features and benefits. Some people may prefer a simple app with a few basic features, while others may need a more complex app with advanced features. It’s important to try out different apps and see which one works best for you or your loved one.

Most Versatile: Spoken - Tap to Talk AAC

We designed Spoken to help people communicate quickly and naturally using text-to-speech. Its focus is on predictive text, which allows it to act as a hybrid of text- and symbol-based AAC. This also means it can offer a larger vocabulary than AAC tools with preset vocabularies.

Spoken provides multiple ways to enter text. You can type, tap the words on screen, or even use image recognition to turn simple drawings or handwriting directly into speech.

It is primarily designed for autistic teens and adults looking for more nuanced communication.

Spoken is free with an unlockable premium version. When you first install Spoken, you are automatically enrolled in a trial to test all features. After the trial expires, basic communication features remain.

Key features:

  • Fast sentence building: Spoken gives you a list of the most likely next words, making it faster to put together sentences.
  • Saved phrases: Don’t type the same thing over and over. Save it for later.
  • Customizable, high quality text-to-speech voices: Try different accents and customize speed and pitch.
  • Simple interface: Designed to not be overwhelming.