Touchscreen tablets and phones have become as important as toys for nonverbal kids with autism. With the right apps, they can finally express what they want — even when words don’t come out.
The problem is that there are too many “special education” apps out there. It’s hard to tell which ones actually help. So I rounded up the best Android apps for nonverbal autism that parents and teachers are finding useful.
1. SymboTalk App
SymboTalk is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app that helps nonverbal kids communicate using pictures and symbols.
You can pick from an online library or create your own. Tap a symbol and the app reads it aloud. You can also record your own voice, build sentences, and use it offline — no internet needed.
Special Words helps build language and reading skills through flashcards. Each word has matching images and sound.
You can personalize almost everything — font, voice, speed, and even add your child’s favorite pictures. It’s not free, but it’s simple and very practical for daily use.
3. Otsimo
Otsimo was created by a brother for his autistic sibling. It’s based on ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and has over 80 games teaching colors, emotions, words, and numbers.
The app adjusts difficulty based on your child’s progress and tracks how they’re improving. It’s also free, which makes it worth trying.
This app was designed by ABA experts and feels like a game. Kids learn counting, letters, and shapes — and get small rewards after each task.
You can track progress using graphs and the app keeps updating with new lessons.
5. LeeLoo App
LeeLoo is one of the most recommended AAC apps for nonverbal kids. It uses pictures and text-to-speech to help them talk to parents, teachers, and friends.
You can choose from several voices, customize cards, and even adjust it for adults with speech difficulties or other conditions like Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.
6. TalkWishes App
TalkWishes helps users with speech difficulties express their needs. It’s easy to customize with pictures and words your child understands.
It works well alongside a speech therapist for autism or any speech disorder.
7. JABtalk App
JABtalk is an easy AAC app used by both kids and adults. You can add pictures, record voices, and rearrange or resize images.
It allows sentence building and lets you back up or restore your data when changing devices.
8. I Can Communicate app
With this app, your child can type a message or use pre-set buttons. It also has ready-made quick phrases like “I’m hungry” or “I need help.”
You can lock settings to prevent accidental changes.
9. Voice4U
AuVoice4U helps kids express needs using visual icons. You can create your own icons with photos and voice recordings, and even use it for visual schedules and routines.
It’s simple and practical for both home and school use.
Final Word
Speech challenges come from different causes — autism, stroke, brain injury, or developmental delay. The goal is to find what helps your child communicate better.
These apps make that easier. Try one or two and see how your child responds. Communication may not come through words yet — but with the right tools, it will come.