Apps That Can Help with Expressive Language Disorders

Expressive language disorders can make conversations, writing, and everyday interactions difficult. Fortunately, technology can provide assistance. There are a number of apps designed to help people find the right words, construct sentences, and communicate more effectively — whether by speaking for them or guiding their language development. In this article, we'll explore some of the best apps available to support communication for people with expressive language disorders.

Trouble speaking? Try one of these apps!

Spoken - Tap to Talk AAC

Spoken AAC app, shown on a smartphone and tablet.

Availability: Android, iOS, and Mac
Price: Free (with optional premium upgrade for $12.99/month, $99.99/year, or $249.99 for life)

Spoken is one of the best apps for teens and adults with language disorders. It guides you through sentence creation using pairings of advanced predictive text and easy-to-understand icons representing the words. This means you don't have to be restricted to a preset vocabulary and can express yourself more naturally. Importantly, you can also talk about you want — not just basic needs. The predictive text gets better the more you use the app as it learns from your speech patterns and what you like to talk about.

If typing or predictive text don't fit your needs, you can also enter text by handwriting or even drawing and the app will automatically convert it to verbal speech. The drawing feature is also useful if you have trouble with word recall, as you can swap inputs seemlessly. Maybe you've typed out most of a sentence but the next word isn't coming to mind — just switch to the drawing canvas and visually represent it. Spoken will recognize the drawing and translate it into words for you.

Proloquo2Go

Availability: iOS
Price: $249.99 (with additional in-app purchases)

The popularity of Proloquo2Go — in spite of its price — is perhaps a testament to its quality. If you need stronger support, it is a great option. While it's just a traditional symbol-based communication app, it's easily one of the best available. It has a robust vocabulary and is extremely customizable. Adjusting it to suit your age, skill level, or personal preferences is very simple and makes the app more versatile than some others.

Another great aspect of Proloquo2Go is that it's available in several languages and even supports bilingual use; many other apps like it are exclusively available in English.

TouchChat HD

Availability: iOS
Price: $149.99 (with additional in-app purchases)

TouchChat is another app that can help people with expressive language disorders communicate. When you enter TouchChat for the first time, you'll be prompted to select a vocabulary file based on your needs. Each of these consists of pages and buttons with words, phrases, sentences, and other functions. The files can be personalized by customizing grid layout, buttons, messages, and symbols. You can then switch between vocabulary files whenever you want.

While creating new buttons in TouchChat, you'll have access to over 40,000 symbols from various popular symbol sets. You can also use the built-in camera to take a photo for your button. If you've created a vocabulary file that you like, you can easily import or export it through AirDrop, email, DropBox, or Google Drive. This lets you use the same vocabulary file across as many devices as you'd like.

Speak For Yourself

Availability: iOS
Price: $299.99 (with additional in-app purchases)

Speak for Yourself (or SFY) was designed by two speech-language pathologists. It's particularly good for younger users, because it incorporates motor learning principles and contains features important for language development. However, the app can grow with users as their vocabulary and skill level increases.

Speak For Yourself's greatest strength might be its efficiency. Every available word can be accessed within two taps. Additionally, SFY includes features that support language growth like its Babble option, which encourages you to explore new vocabulary. These features make it a good choice if you're looking for a symbol-based assistive communication app that prioritizes language development and ease of use.

Leeloo AAC

Leeloo AAC for tablet, advertised as an AAC app for kids with autism.

Availability: Android and iOS
Price: Free (with optional premium upgrade for $6.99/month, $59.99/year, or $99.99 for life)

Leeloo is a good choice for children with expressive language disorders, especially if they're resistant to using any of the other apps on this list. This is because it's one of the most visually pleasing assistive communication apps available. It features a bright and approachable interface with fun illustrations that make it really engaging. The vocabulary is also most relevant to younger users. We wouldn't suggest it for teen or adult users due to its limitations, but it's a good starter option for beginning communicators.

One fairly unique feature of Leeloo is that it allows you to create and easily switch between multiple user profiles, which may be useful under certain circumstances. It's also available in several different languages, which is always positive.

Don't Let a Language Disorder Stop You from Communicating

Expressive language disorders can make communication challenging, but they don't have to be a barrier to connection. With the right tools, expressing your thoughts, needs, and emotions can become a lot easier. Speech apps like Spoken AAC or Proloquo2Go provide structured support that can help you find your voice. No matter your age or skill level, technology can be a powerful ally in overcoming communication difficulties. Try one of the apps listed above today and see if it helps!