How to Choose an AAC App for Few Taps

Choosing an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app for someone who communicates with just a few taps is about finding the right balance between simplicity and functionality. The goal is to give the user a reliable, low-effort way to express core needs and wants without overwhelming them. This guide walks you through the key considerations and steps to pick an app that fits the user’s specific motor, cognitive, and communication profile.

What You’ll Need

A list of the user’s communication goals (e.g., requesting, greeting, commenting)
Knowledge of the user’s motor skills (e.g., can they isolate a finger, do they need switch access?)
Understanding of the user’s visual preferences (e.g., photos vs. symbols, color preferences)
A trial period – most AAC apps offer free trials or lite versions
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) or AAC specialist for guidance (highly recommended)

Step-by-Step

Define the communication goals. Write down what the person needs to say most often. For a few-tap user, this might be “I want,” “I need help,” “more,” “stop,” or naming a favorite item. Prioritize the top 10-20 messages.
Assess motor access. Determine how the user will physically select buttons. Can they tap with a finger, use a stylus, or need switch scanning? This will narrow down apps that support the required access method.
Consider visual and cognitive load. For a user who needs simplicity, look for apps with a clean, uncluttered layout. Decide if they respond better to real photos, line drawings, or text. Some apps allow you to customize the visual style.
List candidate apps. Based on your goals and access method, research AAC apps that are known for simplicity. Popular options include Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, and Speak for Yourself. But don’t rely on popularity alone – check each app’s features against your list.
Try before you buy. Download trial versions or use the free lite versions. Set up a test page with the user’s core vocabulary and try it with them for a few days. Observe how easily they navigate and whether they can independently produce messages.
Evaluate customization. Check if the app lets you adjust button size, spacing, and number of buttons per page. For a few-tap user, you may want a single page with 4-12 large buttons. Ensure you can add or edit vocabulary easily.
Check for voice and feedback. The app should have a clear, pleasant voice output. Some apps offer multiple voices. Also, consider if the user needs auditory feedback when they touch a button (e.g., a click sound) to confirm selection.
Consider future growth. While the user currently uses few taps, they may progress. Choose an app that allows you to add more vocabulary and pages later without having to switch apps entirely.
Involve the user and team. If possible, let the user try the app and observe their engagement. Get input from family, teachers, and therapists who interact with the user daily.
Make a decision and implement. Once you’ve chosen an app, set up the vocabulary carefully. Start with a small set of high-frequency words and add more as the user becomes proficient. Provide consistent modeling and support.

Common Mistakes

Choosing an app with too much vocabulary. A few-tap user can be overwhelmed by dozens of buttons. Start minimal.
Ignoring motor access. If the user can’t reliably tap a small button, the app won’t work. Ensure the button size and access method match the user’s abilities.
Not customizing the layout. Default layouts may not suit the user. Adjust button size, color, and position to reduce errors.
Skipping the trial period. Buying a full app without testing it with the user can lead to wasted money and frustration.
Forgetting to update vocabulary. As the user’s needs change, the app must evolve. Regularly review and add new words.

Tips

Focus on core vocabulary. Words like “more,” “go,” “stop,” “help,” and “like” are powerful and can be combined later.
Use visual scenes if appropriate. Some users respond better to a photo of a real environment (e.g., a kitchen) with hot spots that speak when tapped.
Model, model, model. Use the AAC app yourself when talking to the user. This shows them how to use it and encourages imitation.
Keep the device charged and available. The AAC app only works if the device is on and accessible. Have a charging routine.
Back up your settings. Most apps allow you to save and restore your vocabulary. Do this regularly to avoid losing customizations.

Troubleshooting

If the user is not using the app: They may be overwhelmed or not see the benefit. Simplify the page, reduce the number of buttons, and model use more frequently. Also, ensure the app is always available and not hidden in a folder.

If the user makes frequent errors: Increase button size, adjust spacing, or reduce the number of buttons per page. Check if the user is accidentally hitting adjacent buttons. Some apps allow you to set a longer press time to register a selection.

If the app is too slow: For switch scanning, adjust the scan speed. For direct touch, ensure the device’s touch sensitivity is appropriate. Some apps have a “touch and hold” setting that can be adjusted.

If the user loses interest: Try adding motivating vocabulary (e.g., favorite characters, activities) and use the app during enjoyable activities. Sometimes a change in voice or button color can re-engage the user.

If the app crashes or freezes: Update the app and the device’s operating system. If problems persist, contact the app’s support team. Also, check if the device has enough storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I start with a free AAC app?
A: Yes, many paid apps have free lite versions with limited vocabulary. These are great for trials. Some fully free apps exist, but they may have fewer features.

Q: What if the user can’t tap at all?
A: Look for apps that support switch access or eye gaze. Many major AAC apps offer these access methods, but they may require additional hardware.

Q: How many buttons should I start with?
A: For a few-tap user, start with 4-8 large buttons. You can gradually add more as they become comfortable.

Q: Should I choose an app with text or symbols?
A: It depends on the user’s literacy skills. If they can read, text may be fine. Otherwise, use symbols or photos. Many apps allow both.

Q: Can I use the same app on multiple devices?
A: Some apps allow syncing across devices, but often you need to purchase the app for each device. Check the app’s licensing terms.

Q: How often should I update the vocabulary?
A: Review at least monthly. Add new words as the user’s needs and interests change. Remove words that are no longer used.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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