best AAC app for iPad?

[haggiscatcher]

My 7 year old non verbal son is beginning to use Tap To Talk to request food items and used it to say Granda today when my dad was here.

I feel like I would like to get him a really good one but I dont know where to start.

Im also a bit crap with these things and want it to have instructions for me so I can help him with it.

It's his birthday in a few months and he always gets money from family because they never know what to buy him! I'm happy to pay more for a good one he'll find easy to use and useful.

Hi haggiscatcher are you having any external input e.g. from SALT about this? I only ask because my DD is 6 and non-verbal and I think it's totally mind-boggling to look at all the options out there without some expert input, especially if you're looking for a long-term solution That said, our SALT had no expertise in this area!

We've been able to access the ACE Centre who specialise in AAC to get their input. We've made great use of their free information day appointments. I think they have centres in Oxford and Oldham if either is accessible to you? If not, they may be able to help on the phone?

Our DD uses a communication book at present and an iPAD just to start getting her fine motor control to such a level that she could use an electronic talker in the future. I always hear Proloquo mentioned as being a good app but no personal experience.

Good luck (I'm off to bed now )

Thank you. I will check out the ace centre. Sounds useful.

No SALT input (long story, but essentially they were useless)

Think my 9 year old other son knows more about these things than I do!!

I have been astounded at how my son has progressed with the iPad in the last 6 months. Initially he had lots of problems because his hands would be all over the touch screen, but he has totally mastered that now. It's brilliant to watch him play games and stuff on it.

Dd2sschool mentioned something called grid player

iPads are not necessarily the best device to use for AAC - there are a limited (although, I admit mind boggling array!) of programmes, as there are some issues with licences for symbol sets being used etc.

If your child is using mainly photos at this stage, there are lots of good basic free options. If moving onto symbols, it is very much worth getting some advice from an SLT who knows what they're talking about - starting with a decent program where there is structure to progress language wise, and making a good initial choice about which kind of symbols to use.

Just re-read and seen you have no SALT input, that's rubbish. Can you ask for a tertiary referral to an AAC centre? Memonster is right that the ACE centre are fab... Even a decent assessment would be better than nothing...

Grid player is good Autumnsmum, but again, worth checking re symbol sets. Think it uses widget symbols... If your child is going to be going into an environment that uses PCS, for example, that could be confusing...

Also, it's tricky with some of the programs on iPads to program the devices, without linking up to a computer (and paying for expensive software). I would look for one where you can add symbols/messages by directly tapping the screen. Means you can be much more flexible, and add your messages in a timely way, when your child actually needs them...

Please do contact Ace - at the very least they will be able to advise you. They do carry out assessments but they are really really expensive (£2000+) but they will also know how to access funding in your area.

I feel your pain on the SALT front

Good to know about your DS's progress with control of the iPAD - really encouraging because we are definitely at the "oops it's gone", "oops it's gone again" stage

A chance for me to big up my current favourite folk, namely the fabulous Therapy Box who are up to date, super friendly, super efficient and really know their stuff. They have tonnes of hands on free roadshows going on around the UK. Go to one. You will NOT be disappointed.

Particularly loving Proloquo2go at present.

These people will sort you out in a fraction of the time and at the fraction of the cost of an ACE centre (although they are good). Hell, Therapy Box, will do anything you want, even load it all up for you.

I don't work for them and have no commercial interest in th business although they are so fab, I am beginning to wish I had......

Will keep an eye on this thread. Ds sees a SALT who specialises in AAC, she tried him with a GoTalk communication device, but he just found it frustrating.

We are due to see her again soon to discuss ipad apps, she mentioned The Grid 2, and we have had success with the free basic Grid Player.

Giving a kid a GoTalk these days is like giving Chris Hoy a penny farthing. Good at one time, but hopelessly outdated now.

Proloquo2go all the way.. incredibly easy to use and easy to customise.. You can add anything new in seconds either using existing symbols/pictures or use the camera and take a picture to personalise it.

Haha, moondog, that is a good analogy.

Ds did manage to communicate his utter frustration, by whacking me with it.

There you go Hazey!!