Speech therapy is the primary treatment for aphasia and other communication disorders in adults. While this treatment is primarily conducted physically, your speech language pathologist (SLP) may also perform it virtually or suggest speech therapy apps to aid your treatment.
Over 75% (1) of people develop communication disorders following acquired brain injuries such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries, and technology-based interventions like mobile apps help to improve the reach and language outcomes of patients. These apps improve access and convenience, allowing you to complete homework and speech therapy exercises at home to improve communication skills and reduce recovery time.
However, although these mobile therapy apps may be helpful, finding the best speech therapy apps for adults speech language therapy may prove difficult.
Here, we’ve explored 3 high-quality mobile therapy apps that are therapeutically beneficial.
Table of Contents
Why You Need A Speech Therapy App
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Speech Therapy App
Best Speech Therapy Apps for Adults Speech-Language Therapy
Can I do speech therapy in Spanish?
Key Takeaways
Speech therapy apps complement the traditional face-to-face speech-language therapy and offer several benefits to users. Here are a few reasons why a speech therapy app may benefit you.
The quality and credibility of your speech therapy app are essential to your progress and outcome. Choosing the right speech therapy apps goes beyond a random selection; it requires careful deliberation and research. Here are a few factors you must consider when selecting a speech therapy app;
What type of speech disorder do you have? Are you dealing with aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, or a combination of speech disorders? Following a session with your physician and speech language pathologist, you’ll be told the type of speech disorder you have and if you have any accompanying cognitive defects. This will help you determine the app to work with, as speech therapy apps often focus on different types of speech challenges.
Your therapy needs and speech goals typically depend on the type of speech disorder and its severity. If the goal is to improve speech sounds, you want to subscribe to apps that focus on articulation.
Most speech therapy apps require payment to gain access to their features and services. The cost often depends on the specific app, package, and length of time the package should last. These apps typically require a one-time payment deposited upfront or a subscription. However, they also offer free trials or demo versions with limited access that give you a feel or an idea of the available features. Before making your choice, create your budget, check the cost, and decide what works for you.
What type of features do you want or expect? Look out for games, variety and types of exercises and activities, customization options, progress tracking, and professional support. It is essential that you compare the cost and features offered side-by-side to determine if it is worth it. Your speech, language, and communication goals will determine the features that are most important.
Speech therapy apps alone are not effective. They produce more significant results when combined with professional help from a speech language pathologist. Ensure to discuss with your SLP before incorporating any app into your treatment regimen. They can review the speech therapy app you want to use or suggest effective options based on your needs and goals.
There are over 2680 (2) speech therapy apps on Google Play, Apple Store, and across the web, but not all of these apps are suitable for you. Only a fraction of these are evidence-based and have shown credible results over time. Here are the top 3 speech therapy apps for adults that will provide you with therapeutic benefits.
Constant therapy App provides a unique blend of speech and cognitive therapy, providing a convenient and evidence-based therapy for adults recovering from acquired brain injuries. Developed by scientists and clinicians from Boston University, this comprehensive speech, language, and cognitive therapy app was intricately built for patients and clinicians.
$29.99 per month or $299.99 yearly
Available on iPhones, Androids, Chromebooks, and MacBooks (2022 or newer) and on tablets. It is also available on Amazon Kindle devices. However, it doesn’t run on Windows 10 or 11 yet.
The Language therapy 4-in-1 is one of the over 22 Tactus speech therapy apps with proven therapeutic benefits. This app carefully combines four Tactus therapy apps – comprehension, reading, naming, and writing therapy apps, that address the four major areas of spoken and written language. It was built by SLPs to aid with evidence-based treatments like Phonologicl component analysis (PCA) and Response Elaboration Training (RET) to enhance independence and language outcomes in individuals with moderate to severe aphasia.
$74.99
The Language therapy 4-in-1 app is available on IOS and Android devices.
Proloquo2Go is a renowned and science-based Augmentative and Alternative communication app that provides an effective means of communication for individuals with severe speech challenges. It boasts innovative features that enhance language and communication skills while catering to visual, cognitive, and fine-motor skills. The Proloquo2Go app has been used by several English and Spanish SLPs to cater to the needs of beginner to advanced level communicators.
$299.99
Available on iPhones and iPads, and can be linked to your Apple Watch
Spanish was the most common non-English language and is spoken in about 62% of homes in the U.S. homes in 2019 (3). As such, it is no surprise that most speech therapy apps are also made available in Spanish to cater to bilingual and Spanish-speaking populations. So, whether you’re bilingual or primarily speak Spanish, these apps listed also serve as some of the best Spanish speech therapy apps.
In today’s world, speech therapy has gone beyond physical sessions. Speech language therapists now utilize virtual sessions, assistive devices, and speech therapy apps to improve convenience and treatment outcomes. Speech therapy apps help to improve speech and language through interactive games, exercises, and structured activities curated to meet personal speech and language goals. These apps, when combined with physical, guided therapy, help to improve independence, quality of life, and communication skills.
If you’re looking for a suitable, evidence-based speech therapy app to combine with your speech therapy or use while waiting to see an SLP, you can try out the Constant Therapy App. You can start with the free 14-day trial here!
Written by: Dr. Ori Otokpa, MBBS
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Danielle Kelvas, MD
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