The ability to communicate our thoughts and feelings is something that we often take for granted. For kids and adults with expressive language disorder, this is something that they understand firsthand. Luckily, many forms of therapy are available and have even provided inspiration for apps that are available today.
If you’re looking for some expressive language disorder apps to help yourself or a loved one, we can help.
What is covered in this article
Keep scrolling to learn about the different apps that can help users express themselves. Don’t forget to also check out our top speech and communication apps for autism.
Free expressive language disorder apps (8)
If you’re looking to try out some expressive language disorder apps before you commit to spending money, here are some of the best apps available.
1. Articulation Station
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: Free to use, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: Multiple levels and categories that help users evolve their speaking skills.
Articulation Station is an app designed to help kids and adults learn to speak more clearly. The app is full of images that are associated with words that users will be able to practice speaking in the presence of a parent, instructor, or therapist. It also features word, phrase, sentence, and story levels so that users can continue to evolve their vocabulary and speaking abilities. If you enjoy this app, a pro version of the app is also available for $59.99.
2. Speech Blubs: Language Therapy
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free trial, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: Videos of other children speaking that help other children imitate what they see.
Speech Blubs is an app designed to help children with their speech development. The app encourages users to speak by having them mimic videos of other children. It also includes activities to teach them about sounds, shapes, animals, and more.
3. Conversation Planner
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: Free to use, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: Game-like modules that teach users how to navigate different social interactions.
Conversation Planner is designed to help children with speech and social struggles prepare for real-world social situations. The app gives users step-by-step instructions on how to actively participate in a conversation and how to understand the role of the person(s) they’re communicating with. It feels like a game and users will enjoy receiving rewards when they master skills.
4. Sono Flex Lite
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: Free
Best Feature: Interactive symbols that help users communicate their thoughts.
Sono Flex Lite is an app for those struggling with literacy skills that helps assist them in communicating. Using AAC technology, the app is full of symbols that can easily be translated into complete thoughts. If you like the Lite version, the full version is also available for $99.99.
5. ArtikPix
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: Free to start using, additional decks available
Best Feature: Fun card matching game so users can have fun while practicing their speaking skills.
ArtikPix is a fun app for those wanting to improve their speech using a matching game. The app is your typical card match game, but each card has an associated word that users can practice saying. It also has flashcards for those that just want to expand their vocabulary and practice saying new phrases. The full version of the app is also available for $29.99.
6. See.Touch.Learn.
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: Free to use, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: A large collection of flashcards to help users increase their vocabulary.
See.Touch.Learn. is an app that uses visuals that help users find the words they want to say. The app features over 4,400 photos to help users communicate and includes customizable lessons to help users improve their vocabulary. It’s a very popular app that has been used in 104 countries.
7. Word Vault
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: Free to use, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: Fun games and interactive tools that help users practice their speaking skills.
Word Vault is an app that helps kids and adults learn how to say different words and phrases. The app helps users learn by offering games and tools. It utilizes photos and audio clips and allows users to track their progress. A pro version of the app with all additional features included is also available for purchase.
8. Bitsboard Flashcards & Games
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: Free to use; subscriptions available
Best Feature: Flashcards that can help users communicate with others.
Bitsboard makes learning new vocabulary fun for those who struggle to communicate. Like many other AAC apps, the app includes photo cards to help users communicate when they’re struggling to find their words, but it’s also full of many games that help users remember words in an enjoyable and easy way. It also allows for progress tracking and customizable lessons.
Expressive language disorder apps for kids (4)
While almost all expressive language disorder apps are approved for children, these are the top apps that they’ll find the most fun and appealing. If you’re looking for more apps specifically for kids, check out the best autism apps for kids.
1. First Phrases HD
(Image credit: Hamaguchi Apps)
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $15.99
Best Feature: Interactive animal images that help kids learn to form sentences.
First Phrases is an app designed for users who are struggling with their language skills and need to build their expressive vocabulary. The app works by showing images that help users to learn, form, and say sentences. Users are introduced to animals that will complete activities when words are tapped in the correct order.
2. AACORN AAC
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $69.99, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: Word tree feature that helps kids form sentences and understand sentence structure.
AACORN is an innovative app designed to help users improve their communication while receiving the support they need. Unlike similar apps, this app uses a “word tree” layout to help users easily form messages while also learning connections between words. The app is very accessible and makes finding the right words easier.
3. StoryBuilder
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $7.99
Best Feature: Records kids telling the story of the photos the app shows them.
StoryBuilder is an app for children who struggle with speech, helping them to create stories. The app shows users a picture and gives them the ability to record themselves telling the story behind it. Users can upload their own photos and also listen to audio clips to improve their auditory processing skills.
4. Expressive Builder
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $9.99, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: Pictures and activities that teach kids how to form sentences.
Expressive Builder is designed to help kids who struggle with communication learn how to form sentences. The app uses real pictures and fun activities to teach users how to communicate what they see. It also has a recording feature so users can hear themselves saying each sentence.
Adult expressive language disorder apps (6)
Adults looking to try out different expressive language disorder apps will find that the following are the most appealing and helpful.
1. Proloquo2Go
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $249.99, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: A wide range of images to help users communicate their thoughts.
Proloquo2Go is an easy-to-use AAC app for kids, teens, and adults. For anyone struggling to communicate, this app will allow them to form messages through the use of images. It also includes various voices, so users can pick the one that best suits them.
2. TouchChat HD – AAC
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $149.99, in-app purchases available
Best Feature: Various images to help users communicate with others.
TouchChat is a language app designed to help people express themselves when they’re struggling to use their own words. The app uses AAC technology to help users communicate in various English and Spanish voices. Messages created using the app can easily be shared in noisy environments and on social media.
3. Describe It to Me
(Image credit: Describe It to Me)
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $14.99
Best Feature: Game show-themed format to help users expand their language skills in a fun way.
Describe It to Me is a gaming app designed to help kids and adults who are struggling with expressive language. The app is designed like a game show where players must answer six questions about the images shown. It has multiple levels of difficulty and also tracks users’ progress.
4. Naming Therapy
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: $24.99
Best Feature: Activities that help users assign words to images.
Naming Therapy is an app designed to help users assign words and descriptions to various items. The app is full of several activities that involve showing users an image and then tasks them to either name it or describe it. It’s fun, easy-to-use, and educational.
5. Speech Tutor
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $19.99
Best Feature: Videos demonstrating how to say words and phrases.
Speech Tutor is an app designed for those struggling with their speech. The app uses animated videos showing how one’s lips, tongue, and teeth move while pronouncing various words and phrases. Users can record audio and video of themselves attempting to mimic the videos and even be able to see their progress.
6. Conversation Therapy
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: $24.99
Best Feature: Conversation starters and topics to help users practice their speaking skills.
Conversation Therapy is an app for all ages that helps users to speak in conversations. The app is full of various conversation topics and many conversation starters that allow users to practice the skills they’ve learned in speech therapy. It also tracks results and allows users to easily generate PDFs and audio recordings. A free version is also available for Android and iOS if you’d like to demo it before purchasing the full app.
That’s our breakdown of the best apps available for expressive language disorder. If you’re looking for more apps that can help with other mental disorders, check out our guides for apps for visual processing disorder and apps for auditory processing disorder.
