A Kid-Friendly & Affordable AAC Device? TapToTalk is the Answer

Tammy Lessick has been writing about TapToTalk since it first came out. She was kind enough to invite the TapToTalk team to do this guest post.

One of the key features of TapToTalk is that you have a choice of kid-friendly, socially acceptable, low cost devices for assistive communication. With your subscription, you can use TapToTalk on the web, any of the Nintendo DS models, the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. You can run your TapToTalk on any of them. In fact, you can run your TapToTalk on as many of these devices as you wish. You can move it from one device to another, or run it on several at the same time. And there is no extra cost. You only pay for a subscription to TapToTalk Designer. The apps that run on the devices are free. And even if you are not a subscriber, you can download the iPhone/iPad App for free at the App Store.

We also want to share with you some of what we’re hearing about how TapToTalk is helping non-verbal kids communicate:

This is a dream come true! I am a mother of a 9-year-old boy who has ASD. He has some speech but is not that great communicating. This is going to help him so much and it won't even point him out as different because it's a game machine that every child has. Thanks so much from the bottom of my heart for finally making my child feel average! Nicole Lynn MacNeil, Parent

(My son) was able to say Merry Christmas to everyone this year for the first time, thanks to TapToTalk. It really made it a special Christmas. A North Carolina Parent

My son is starting to get the hang of TapToTalk and we are having a blast building his albums! Thank you so much. I am going to shout the praises of your product and technical support from the rooftops and to anyone who will listen to me. A great inexpensive, fun, socially acceptable, voice output device. It is great and we love the DSi XL to run it on. Big screen easy for him to tap on given some very significant fine motor issues. Erica Weber, Parent

For more experiences from parents, SLPs and special ed teachers, check out News & Reviews on taptotalk.com. We also invite you to join us on our Facebook Page and check out the TapToTalk website for more information.

What Toys Are Best for Autistic Children?

If you are wondering the best way to entertain and enhance the development within your autistic child, toys can make a serious impact. Parents and relatives of autistic children have found that using the right toys can draw their child out of his or her shell and help bring forth their personality traits.

To begin, here are some of the best toys to use with a child with autism:

• Stimulating Toys: Many children who have autism experience sensory issues, so toys that stimulate the senses can provide a nonthreatening approach. Any toys that have fur, bumps, music, or raised portions will give them something stimulating to play with that will also provide interaction.

• Social Toys: One of the best ways to enhance social development in a child with autism is using a toy to stimulate social interaction. This may be a game that one autistic child can play with a sibling, including board games that can be played with the entire family. If the autistic child has the opportunity to focus on taking turns and relaxing during a game, that bodes much better for future social interactions at school or in daycare.

• Motor Skill Development Toys: Any toys that work to develop your child's motor skills will be perfect for a child with autism. Some of the best toy options are artistic, like drawing or painting, which gives the autistic child the opportunity to use brushes, crayons, or other drawing tools. Even better, your autistic child may enjoy learning to ride a tricycle under your supervision so that they feel safe yet accomplished.

• Simple Toys: Many of the simpler toys, like a puzzle, maze, or Chinese finger trap provide the autistic child with the opportunity to focus on a single task and achieve. This can help the autistic child feel secure, and they will also be able to focus on a single interest.

Overall, toys are a wonderful opportunity to interact with an autistic child to bring them further out of their shell for increased social interaction!


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