App Profile: SmallTalk Aphasia Female

Sylvain Roy

Rating: 4/5

Aphasia is an acquired language disorder, which can occur after a brain injury such as a stroke. Lesions to different areas of the brain can result in qualitatively different impairments (i.e. difficulty expressing or comprehending language). Psychologists who have worked with such patients know all too well the debilitating effects it can have on someone's life. Often times, the patient can understand what others are saying, but simply lack the ability to communicate through speech or writing. Several of the patients I have worked with became depressed, withdrawn and isolated after their stroke. Fortunately, certain patients can benefit from augmentative or alternative communication (ACC). To that end, technology can sometime help patients regain some basic communication skills. I have recently reviewed this app on my blog for psychologist and refer to it as, "small, but potentially life changing tools". They allows patients to scroll through common phrases designed to facilitate communication such as, "I have aphasia, I had a stroke, I have trouble speaking, yes, no etc." Other similar similar apps include common phrases related to activities of daily living. Pictures are provided beside the text to facilitate communication if reading is difficult.

Nana7984

Rating: 4/5

I use this app with my 10 yr old grandson who is able to understand but not able to speak due to neurological impairment. I think this app would also benefit some autistic children in communicating, in addition to other kids with neurological impairments. I love that I never have to remember to pack up something else (another communication device) because I always have my phone with me. He loves it, too..just wish one thing could be added. I would love to see option to chose a man's or a woman's voice. I would gladly pay for that. I would pay even more if I could choose a child's voice with a gender option. I have been showing this app to speech therapists and special education teachers. We all agree. If it had the gender option I would have given it 5+stars!

Kari De Leon

Rating: 5/5

I downloaded the latest version and found it to be even better! The way the two views (vertical and horizontal) keep in sync with each other is so very helpful! Keep up the good work!