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5 Aphasia Apps: Your Quick Guide to Digital Tools That Actually Help

This post is all about aphasia apps

Technology has revolutionized aphasia therapy. Gone are the days when home practice meant flashcards and worksheets. Now, there's literally an app for that—hundreds of them, actually. But which ones are worth your time (and your client's money)?

Here's what you need to know about aphasia apps to make smart recommendations.


Why Aphasia Apps Matter

Apps provide what traditional therapy can't always offer: unlimited practice opportunities between sessions. They're available 24/7, they're patient, and they can provide immediate feedback.


The reality: Most people with aphasia need intensive practice—way more than 1-2 hours of therapy per week can provide. Apps bridge that gap.


Top Evidence-Based Apps to Recommend


1. Let Me Talk

What it does: Free augmentative communication app


Why it's solid:

  • Free way to give your client's a communication device

  • Easy to use

  • Able to individualize the app

Cost: Free

Best for: Non-verbal clients


2. Tactus Therapy Apps

What it does: Suite of specialized apps targeting specific skills (naming, comprehension, reading, writing)


Popular ones:

  • Language Therapy 4-in-1: Naming, listening, reading, writing in one app

  • Naming Therapy: Word-finding practice with proven techniques

  • Comprehension Therapy: Auditory and reading comprehension

  • Advanced Naming Therapy: For higher-level clients


Why clinicians love them:

  • Created by an SLP specifically for aphasia

  • Incredibly user-friendly interface

  • One-time purchase (no subscription)

  • Clients can use independently


Cost: $10-25 per app (one-time purchase)

Best for: Clients who want specific skill practice without overwhelming features


3. Lingraphica SmallTalk Apps

What it does: Communication boards with customizable pictures and phrases


Options:

  • SmallTalk Aphasia (common phrases)

  • SmallTalk Conversational Phrases

  • SmallTalk Common Phrases

  • SmallTalk Phonemes (for apraxia)

Why they work:

  • FREE (yes, completely free!)

  • Simple, clear interface

  • Great for severe aphasia when verbal output is limited

  • Helps maintain social connection

Best for: Severe aphasia, functional communication in daily life


4. Therapy Buddy

What it does: Aphasia-friendly videos showing how to do everyday tasks

Examples: Making coffee, using an ATM, grocery shopping, cooking recipes

Why it's brilliant:

  • FREE

  • Visual supports with minimal language demands

  • Promotes independence in daily activities

  • Great for clients with severe comprehension deficits

Best for: Supporting daily living skills and community re-integration


5. Talk Path News


What it does: Weekly current events presented in aphasia-friendly format

Features:

  • Simplified text with picture supports

  • Highlights as it reads

  • Built-in comprehension questions

  • Keeps clients connected to current events

Cost: Free

Best for: Reading comprehension practice with meaningful, relevant content



Free Practice Tools Worth Mentioning

Aphasia Scripts


Simple scripts for functional communication (ordering food, making appointments). Promotes automatic speech through repetition.


Cost: FREE

Format: PDFs you can access online


YouTube Channels


Aphasia Recovery Connection and Lingraphica offer free therapy videos, conversation groups, and resources.


How to Choose the Right App for Your Client

Ask yourself:


1. What's their severity level?

  • Severe: Focus on functional communication apps (SmallTalk, Therapy Buddy)

  • Moderate: Comprehensive practice apps (Constant Therapy, Tactus apps)

  • Mild: Higher-level apps with reading/writing (Advanced Naming Therapy, News-2-You)

2. What's their tech comfort level?

  • Tech-savvy: Apps with more features work fine

  • Tech-resistant: Keep it SIMPLE (SmallTalk, basic Tactus apps)

3. What's their budget?

  • Limited: Start with free apps (SmallTalk series, Therapy Buddy, YouTube)

  • Moderate: One-time purchase apps (Tactus)

  • Flexible: Subscription services (Constant Therapy)

4. What skills need the most work? Match the app to their specific deficits—don't just recommend "an aphasia app."


Pro Tips for Success

Set it up WITH them in session: Don't just recommend an app and hope they figure it out. Download it together, practice using it, troubleshoot issues.


Start with 10-15 minutes daily: More isn't always better. Consistent short practice beats sporadic marathon sessions.


Check in regularly: Ask what they're practicing, review their data if the app tracks it, adjust recommendations as they progress.


Involve caregivers: Teach family members how the apps work so they can provide support and encouragement.


Make it functional: Connect app practice to real-life goals. If they're working on naming in Naming Therapy, relate it to people and objects in their daily environment.


What Apps DON'T Replace

Let's be clear: Apps are supplements, not substitutes.

They don't replace:

  • The therapeutic relationship

  • Your clinical judgment and feedback

  • Functional, conversational practice

  • Emotional support during recovery

  • Assessment and treatment planning


Think of apps as homework, not therapy.


The Bottom Line

Aphasia apps have come a long way. They're evidence-based, accessible, and genuinely helpful when used correctly. Your job is to guide clients toward the right tools and help them use those tools effectively.


Start simple. One app. Ten minutes a day. Build from there.



Thanks for reading about Aphasia Apps


Serving you speech tips with a side of sarcasm

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