The aacorn language app is designed for pre-literate and developmentally speech delayed children to help them transition from folder-based pictures and other paper type speech tools. The interactive and predictive language “tree” feature allows learners to tap out 2-3 word phrases and after a while, will intuitively begin to know your child’s language habits and will begin to predict his/her words!
Where other AAC (Augmentative and Assistive Communication) apps are usually centered around words hidden in folders arranged in a big grid, aacorn breaks through that format with something new and fresh! aacorn will teach your child about the relationship between words. For example, if your child selects the words, “I want juice”, then aacorn knows next time that these words potentially make a sentence he/she might want to say and brings suggestions for useful next words to the child automatically. This truly takes the guess work and frustration level down for both the child and the adult who is supporting him/her! I love that the prediction isn’t random either, the developers of this app have figured out an algorithm that is based on learning about your child and how she/he would like to communicate best.
In using this app with my son, I found that aacorn was more engaging and less frustrating for him than others we had used in the past. He is a very visual learner, so to be able to see an immediate connection between the spoken word and the picture relationship was wonderful for him. As parents, we all know that repetition is key and this app provides just that.
In addition, there is another component to aacorn. Kids can create new word pictures all from within the app through the use of a built-in camera, microphone to record sounds, as well as tools to color and draw.
A piece of advice for the first-time users of this app who will be providing the support for their child is to go through the tutorials beforehand and begin to familiarize one’s self with the words in the folders and how to use it. There is a search bar feature at the top where one can search for the desired word, but most young children are not spelling yet and I could see the potential for frustration if the word is not located fast enough. The price tag on this app is hefty, but after exploring numerous AAC apps out there, this one is truly something special. Please visit the aacorn website to view videos of kids in real-time as they easily navigate through this app and bring their own language to life.
Who would you like to hear speak today?
*DISCLAIMER: Any opinions stated are strictly my own. I was sent the above item by aacorn to help facilitate my review. All photos used in this post are courtesy of aacorn.*
Leave a Reply