AAC Device for Autism & Speech Therapy. Non Verbal Communication Tool.

As a speech-language pathologist, I was excited to see a basic AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device available at a price point the is within reach for many people. This little device is about the size of a television remote control and includes 14 pre-programmed buttons and two that you can program yourself. This will of course not meet most people's communication needs in the long run, but it can be helpful in some situations--for example, as a way to try out a high-tech device, for someone who is in the early stages of learning to communicate with a device, for someone who only needs a device for a short time, or as a backup means of communication. The buttons are relatively easy to activate with a single finger push. I like that the pre-programmed buttons play full sentences (e.g., "I want to watch TV"). The volume is sufficiently loud without being too loud. It is worth noting that the voice sounds like a woman, which might suggest that the device is meant for adults. However, there is also a button that says, "I want to play with toys," which would generally be more appropriate for children. Also, the accent is British, which is worth considering if that would make a difference for your intended user. This device runs on 3 AAA batteries. I have not yet had to replace them, so I am not sure how quickly the device drains them. The device seems pretty sturdy, like it could stand a few accidental drops. That said, I would hesitate to give it to someone who has a habit of throwing or otherwise damaging objects. Overall, this is a nice little basic AAC device.

We like this AAC device. It’s lightweight, portable, and very easy to customize. It would be great for a child just starting out with an AAC device. It would also work well for someone who is verbal but limited, in that it has some pretty commonly requested statements readily available and would definitely help to clarify communication skills. My son is 7 and is currently using an AAC program on an iPad. This product can’t replace the vastness of his current program or the communication skills he’s working on, but could eventually supplement him when he becomes more verbal. I also LOVE that the price point allows for parents to start the AAC acquisition without it being cost prohibitive.

My son is 9 and is level 3 autistic. He only knows a few words in sign language and doesn't even nod his head or say mama/dada. With only 2 minutes of showing him the buttons, he took the device, told me her was thirsty and tired. I gave him a drink, made his bed and put on the TV as he asked with the device. This happened all within a few moments. I just started sobbing and cheering. He kept pressing the thank you button. I'm going to bed with a full heart and knowing tomorrow will be an easier day, thanks to a cheap and simple device. The ones the school used to provide were too complicated and too expensive for me to get him at home. THANK YOU for making something like this. God bless you

The device works well but the voice used speaks in an English accent. If you're doing speech therapy or encouraging your child to learn to speak, this may be confusing if you're not using an English accent at home.

Wow, I can't believe how inexpensive this device is, I ended up buying four. I'm a teacher and have several non-verbal students, I talked to their teacher and she said they could all learn to use this device...it could give them a voice and reduce their frustration. Now for the funny part, I had one student in mind and he never spoke last year...Friday he walked in and said "Good Morning". It was the first time I'd ever heard him speak, and now he is speaking quite often...but it is ok because we have at least three other kids who might be able to use the device.

This mini-AAC is a great way to introduce your speech delayed child to AAC devices. It has a couple of features that I don’t like. 1. The speaker has an English accent and you can’t change it. If you’re buying this for an adult, that’s not a big deal. But if you are buying this for a speech delayed child, this can confuse them. 2. There is no volume control and it’s pretty loud. My kid didn’t want to use it for a few weeks because it set off his sound sensitivity. 3. My toddler accidentally re-records the personalized buttons all the time because there is no way to lock them from being edited.

work great for my nonverbal son

The sound quality was poor and fuzzy. That, combined with the fact that the voice was British, made it very difficult for my son to understand what each button meant. Aldo, it was obnoxiously loud with no option to reduce the volume. So, we're returning it for something else.

Helps my autistic nephew communicate. He don’t use it much but it’s really good to help sometimes

Smaller than I thought but works well

I brought this for my grandson who is non verbal, he has a talking tablet but can be a bit rough with it, I like this as there is no screen to worry about or to distract him from the sound of the words. (when he gets angry or can't communicate his needs) he throws things down the stairs. I love the programable buttons so we can pick words he knows or uses. it is loud and the words are very clear, the only thing that would make this better is one with yes and no and all the other buttons programable, which would also support him as he develops more complex words. My grandson is very intelligent he can read and spell out words most 5 year old can't but he struggles to let the world know how he feels or what he wants without having to hand lead. This Device has the potential to help him I am very happy with it and he likes it loves the buttons (not yet worked out how to use it to communicate but we are still hopeful he will in time)

Really good product, would highly recommend. was delivered the following day and my autistic non verbal son loves it that he can tell me what he wants. 10/10 product.

When starting out on the journey to get communication aids funded as an 'identified need'from your local authority/ healthcare provider This product although limited is a great start to introduce the non verbal person to a 'voice' Its very easy to use,good value and will be a valuable aid until your disabled relative gets the funding for an iPad or something similar to put speech programmes on.