Free Autism Communication AAC Apps
Supporting Autistic Non-Speaking People to Access AAC
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, often referred to as AAC, is a vital communication option for many Autistic non-speaking and people with unreliable speech. Communication is a fundamental human right. When AAC is a person’s preferred or most accessible communication method, supporting its use is not optional. It is essential.
AAC includes a wide range of tools such as communication apps, symbol systems, text-based supports, picture boards, and high-tech speech-generating devices. These systems allow Autistic people to express thoughts, needs, feelings, opinions, humour, and identity in ways that align with their neurology and motor planning. The absence of speech does not indicate an absence of language, understanding, or intent.
Respecting AAC preference is a neuroaffirmative practice. Autistic non-speaking people should never be pressured to prioritise spoken speech over alternative communication. Spoken speech is one possible output. Communication is the goal. When AAC is withheld, discouraged, or delayed, individuals are placed at risk of frustration, isolation, trauma, and exclusion from decision-making about their own lives.
Why Access to AAC Must Be Affordable
Access to AAC is often limited by cost rather than need. Many robust AAC apps, devices, and symbol systems are financially inaccessible to families, schools, and adults without formal funding pathways. This creates inequity, where communication access becomes dependent on income, postcode, or service availability rather than on the person’s rights.
Affordable and free AAC options play a critical role in reducing these barriers. They allow individuals to begin communicating immediately, support exploration of different systems, and provide continuity when formal funding is delayed or unavailable. Importantly, AAC should not be viewed as something a person must earn, trial under pressure, or prove themselves worthy of. Communication access should be proactive and unconditional.
When AAC is accessible, Autistic non-speaking people are better supported to self-advocate, participate in education, build relationships, and engage meaningfully with their communities.
Free AAC Apps and Resources
Below is a section where I have identifed a number of free or affordable AAC apps. These options can support individuals, families, and professionals to begin or expand AAC use without financial barriers.
Let Me Talk (Free AAC App)
Description: A free AAC talker app where users can create and personalise vocab boards and communication pages.
Platforms: Android (Google Play) and often available on iOS via third-party distributions or APK sources (check store region for availability).
Cost: Free to use.
Use Case: Symbol-based AAC for individuals with communication differences; supports building visual boards to communicate needs and ideas.
Notes: Designed to be a starter, accessible AAC tool for families, educators and clinicians exploring AAC.
Card Talk (Free AAC Card App)
Website: Available via app stores like Apple App Store and Google Play.
Platforms: iOS (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and Android (Google Play).
Cost: Free with optional in-app content; no ads.
Use Case: Supports communication with a set of visual cards; covers emotion, intention, basic vocabulary; allows creation of personalised cards with pictures and audio.
Notes: Developed from classroom AAC cards used for learning communication; good for early communicators or visual learners.
Spoken – Tap to Talk AAC
Website: https://spokenaac.com/
Platforms: iOS (iPhone, iPad), Android, macOS.
Cost: Free core AAC functionality; optional premium upgrade available for advanced features.
Use Case: Predictive text and symbol AAC with natural voice output; allows typing, handwriting, drawing to express language. Designed for teens and adults as well as older children.
Notes: Spoken learns patterns over time and offers lifelike voices; core communication features are free but some advanced tools require subscription.
Weave Chat AAC
Website: https://www.weavechat.com/
Platforms: iOS, Android, Kindle.
Cost: Free and always free; developed to be accessible to all users.
Use Case: Category-based AAC grid system with custom vocabulary boards; highly customisable with uploads of images and personalised categories.
Notes: Developed by an SLP and engineer team with community input; supports core and fringe vocabulary.
ChatterBoards AAC
Website: https://chatterboards-aac.com/
Platforms: iOS (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision devices).
Cost: Free.
Use Case: Symbol-based communication boards that allow construction of multi-word messages and sentence building; supports vocabulary expansion over time.
Notes: Developed with speech therapists and end-user input to offer a robust free AAC option without subscription requirements.
CoughDrop AAC
Website: https://www.coughdrop.com/
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, web browser.
Cost: Paid subscription with trial period (device login requires a CoughDrop account).
Use Case: Flexible AAC system with symbol sets, custom boards, and collaborative modelling tools; supports teams (families, clinicians) to coordinate communication planning.
Notes: More feature-rich and scalable for long-term AAC use; offers multi-device support and reporting.
Supporting AAC access is about dignity, autonomy, and inclusion. When we prioritise affordable and freely available AAC, we move closer to a world where Autistic non-speaking people are heard, respected, and fully included on their own terms.
