*App Review Thursday*
Welcome to “App Review Thursday” where we will share some of our favorite iPad and tablet apps that we use in therapy. Apps we use may be used for treatment or just for motivation throughout the session.
Our first app review is for “Speech Stickers”:
Makers: Serious Tree LLC
Designed by a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
According to Serious Tree LLC’s website:
“SpeechStickers was created to help non-verbal and minimally-verbal children learn and practice early emerging consonant and vowel speech sounds in isolation and combinations. It addresses the need for an App that can be used in the beginning stage of speech therapy with children who are building a repertoire of individual consonants and vowels before moving on to word level productions.”
“Once a child understands how to produce a sound correctly, hundreds of repetitions are often required to master the coordinated oral movements so that the speech pattern becomes second nature. The necessary practice can become tedious for young children.”
“SpeechStickers encourages and rewards kids for practicing their speech. The therapist/adult begins a session by selecting a target sound to practice. The child chooses one of the five character stickers, places it on the screen, and repeats the sound the character makes. The therapist/adult provides feedback and discreetly scores the child’s attempt. Play continues until the child has completed a set of stickers, and the child is then rewarded with their choice of an animation.”
“Once a child understands how to produce a sound correctly, hundreds of repetitions are often required to master the coordinated oral movements so that the speech pattern becomes second nature. The necessary practice can become tedious for young children.”
“SpeechStickers encourages and rewards kids for practicing their speech. The therapist/adult begins a session by selecting a target sound to practice. The child chooses one of the five character stickers, places it on the screen, and repeats the sound the character makes. The therapist/adult provides feedback and discreetly scores the child’s attempt. Play continues until the child has completed a set of stickers, and the child is then rewarded with their choice of an animation.”
Our SLPs love this app for any child struggling with apraxia of speech or who have difficulty with motor planning for speech. Our patients love it because it’s fun and rewarding! We have seen great progress using this app and pairing it with functional activities.
Check back tomorrow for our “Fun Friday” post to find out what exciting events are happening around Austin for those with special needs!
