What are the best apps for aphasia?
Quick answer: As a speech-language pathologist, my top three apps for aphasia — all made for adults — are Aphasia Studio, the Tactus Therapy apps, and Constant Therapy. Looking for free aphasia apps? Aphasia Studio is free to start right in your web browser, with nothing to download, and several of the AAC and word-finding apps below have free versions too. Most of these apps work on both iPhone and Android. There are also apps that speak for you, help with word finding, and support everyday conversations. Ask your speech therapist which fit your goals.
Start now: Learn about and gather all the resources you can. You can try free naming practice right now → Not sure how to choose between apps? Read how to find the right aphasia app.
In today's digital age, technology offers a wealth of resources for individuals with aphasia. Aphasia-friendly apps can be powerful tools to support communication, language practice, and cognitive skills. These apps can help bridge communication gaps, provide opportunities for independent practice, and empower individuals to connect with others in ways that might otherwise be challenging.
My top 3 apps for aphasia
As a speech-language pathologist of 13 years, here are my top three. They're all great, and they all have their uses.
1. Aphasia Studio. Join free on your browser and start practicing right away.
2. Tactus Therapy apps. They have whole bundles, and they're amazing. They're on iOS, and many are on Android too.
3. Constant Therapy. It's very cognitively oriented, but it also has really good speech and language exercises.
Speech-generating apps (AAC)
Word-finding apps
Word-finding difficulties are a common challenge for individuals with aphasia. Word-finding apps offer visual and auditory cues to help retrieve words and improve language recall. These apps often utilize picture libraries, semantic categories, and personalized word lists to facilitate word retrieval. Some examples of word-finding apps include Lingraphica, Naming Therapy, and Constant Therapy. For free picture-naming with a built-in cueing ladder, try Aphasia Studio's naming practice.
Communication support apps
Beyond speech generation and word-finding, there are apps that provide comprehensive communication support for individuals with aphasia. These apps may offer tools for visual supports, social communication scripts, and managing daily tasks. Some examples include Tactus Therapy's Conversation Therapy app and Lingraphica's SmallTalk Aphasia. These apps can help individuals practice communication skills in various contexts and navigate everyday situations with greater ease.
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What the research says
In a large UK trial of 278 people with long-term aphasia after stroke, practicing word finding on a computer on their own helped people find the words they practiced, and the gains lasted at least six months. The gains didn't carry over into conversation. So practice the words that matter in your life, and keep practicing real conversations with people too.
Sources
🖨️ Before you go — free flashcards
20 picture cards. Print them at home. Practice every day. Plus a bonus workbook preview.