Status: Draft. Not indexed until reviewed.
Apps for communication and social skills: how to choose
What it is
There are apps for speech practice, AAC (apps that speak for a child), social stories that explain everyday situations, and recognizing emotions in faces. An app is a tool at home; your child's speech-language pathologist and school team can tell you whether one fits your child's plan.
Why families use it
Some apps support communication, speech practice or early learning at your child's pace.
Where to buy
No partner links yet. We only add shop links from programs we have joined.
Safety, how to choose, and questions to ask
What we can and cannot say
We make no claim that any app improves speech, language or social skills. Some app makers make such claims in their own marketing; we do not repeat them.
Safety and background (sourced)
- ASHA explains that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes no-tech, low-tech and high-tech options, from picture boards to speech-generating devices and apps, and that a speech-language pathologist can help choose a system. Source: ASHA: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
How to choose
- Ask your child's SLP which type of app fits: AAC, speech practice or social stories are different tools.
- Use the free trial, and set a reminder to cancel before it bills.
- Check the price model: one-time purchase or subscription.
- Read the privacy policy: what does the app collect about your child?
- Look for no ads and no in-app purchases aimed at children.
- Check device and offline support before you buy.
Questions to ask your child's clinician or school team
- Which kind of app, if any, fits my child's goals?
- Can the school use the same app?
- How much screen time makes sense for my child?
Apps parents ask about
Mentioned to help you look, not ranked and not a recommendation. Only two have partner programs we can join, and neither link is live yet.
| App | What it is | Money to Waylight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Blubs | Speech and language practice app for children | Partner program we can join; no link live yet | We do not repeat outcome claims from the app's marketing. Source: Speech Blubs partners page |
| Lingokids | General early-learning app, ages 2 to 8 | Partner program we can join; no link live yet | Not made for autism; a general learning app. Source: Awin: Lingo Kids (US) |
| Proloquo2Go / Proloquo (AssistiveWare) | AAC apps | None. Mentioned only because families ask about it | AAC choice belongs with your child's speech-language pathologist. Source: AssistiveWare |
| Avaz AAC | AAC app (now part of PRC-Saltillo) | None. Mentioned only | Ask your SLP whether it fits. Source: Avaz |
| TippyTalk | AAC communication app | None. Mentioned only | Ask your SLP whether it fits. Source: Accessible Tech |
| Khan Academy Kids / Starfall | Free or low-cost learning from non-profits | None | Good free options with no money involved. Source: Starfall |
Apps we could not confirm a joinable partner program for are not linked for money. We mention free and AAC options only when they help.
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