Apps for Adults with Speech Disorders

by Chris O

 

You probably aren’t too surprised to see kids with technology gadgets, using them for everything from gaming, to chatting with friends, to homework. Speech language therapists (SLPs) have been finding that kids who are naturally drawn to tablets and portable devices can benefit from apps that support speech therapy. Kids aren’t the only ones, though. Apps for adults with speech disorders are not only innovative, but give adults and SLPs one more tool in their efforts for clearer communication.

Apps for Adults to Help Improve Communication

While there are many different speech disorders with which adults can struggle, there are several apps for adults with speech disorders available that build common core communication skills. Some apps are more directly targeted to specific deficiencies or disorders, but many of the following apps can be used by adults with various speech issues because they include a variety of relevant approaches.

• Speech Trainer 3D – This app by Smarty Ears helps users practice the sounds of the English language. The unique aspect of this app is how it visually demonstrates how the muscles and lips move to form sounds, which can be very helpful for those who are visual learners and thrive on learning by visual cues.
• iSpeech – This text to speech app allows users who are struggling with speaking, perhaps those who are recovering from an injury or illness, to translate text into speech. You can convert entire documents or even blogs to speech. This gives those who are struggling with speech an extra tool for communicating.
• Apps by Tactus Therapy – If you’re looking for a wide variety of apps for speech and communication therapy, Tactus Therapy Solutions includes ones that cover comprehension, naming, writing, reading, and more.
• TalkPath Speaking – This app helps adults with aphasia or apraxia build techniques for better communication. The app covers cueing and repetition that stimulate communication processes and comes available with three levels of difficulty to help users progress in their therapy.
• Dysphagia App – This educational animation app helps patients and family members understand the mechanics of swallowing and how interference with the swallow process can affect patients.
• Pronounce it Right – This app allows users to search for words that challenge them and hear how they are correctly pronounced.
• Speech Therapy for Apraxia – Words – This app is for both children and adults and is a logic-based approach to improving articulation. Users progress through increasingly difficult levels as their progress allows.
• TouchChat HD – This app is designed for those with a wide array of conditions, including Autism, apraxia, or ALS, all which can inhibit a person’s ability to communicate through speech. The app uses provides single vocabulary words and complete phrases that users can build into sentences, and text to speech technology is available as well.

Are Speech Apps Really Helpful for Adults?

Yes. Technology isn’t just for kids. Even though kids seem to be naturally drawn to this type of technology, equipment like the iPad makes apps for speech therapy available to people of all ages. As more and more people use technology for everything from making grocery lists to working as a cloud commuter, it becomes a more natural addition to their lives to use apps to assist and improve areas of struggle. The medical and health fields are just some of the areas where adults can benefit from these advances in technology. SLPs can use apps in the formal therapy setting and also recommend apps for patients to use as their “homework”, empowering the adults to continue to make progress.

Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques