Autism Communication Devices aka AAC

First, this doesn't just apply to autism. Lot's of people utilize the technology of AAC to give themselves and their loved one's a voice. Here's my list and my recommendations. If you have ANY questions please don't hesitate to ask.
-BEST TABLET amzn.to/3mSracL
-CHEAPER TABLET OPTION amzn.to/2YSjYVX
-AWESOME CASE amzn.to/3iXHPdC
-ALSO AWESOME CASE amzn.to/3BWccZD
-APP WE USE apps.apple.com/us/app/snap-co... (only available for ipad)
-CoughDrop AAC App amzn.to/3FM37EJ
-FIRE TABLET amzn.to/3oZU5Ov
Merch Links
teespring.com/stores/fatherin...
fatheringautism.storenvy.com/
Sensory Floor Tiles cobyandbam.com/?ref=iwvVWPtqb...
20% OFF With Code: fatheringautism
Autism Parenting Magazine bit.ly/autismparentmag
Amazon Links (affiliate link)
www.amazon.com/shop/fathering...
You Need This App Abridge abridgeapp.com/fatheringautism
Where My Music Comes From www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Isaiah's Photography Website whatsthepointnshoot.com/prints
Patreon / fatheringautism
The Podcast anchor.fm/fromamtopm
Priscilla's Cooking Channel / @potspanspriscilla
Isaiah's Channel / @isaiahmaass940
Priscilla's Makeup Page / lipstickmamamakeup
-Twitch - / papamaass
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook / fatheringautismyoutube
TikTok FatheringAutism
Twitter @fatheringautism
My Instagram @fatheringautism1
Isaiah’s Instagram @whats_the_pointnshoot
Priscilla's Instagram @cillasstuff_n_things
Priscilla's TikTok @priscillamaass
Isaiah and Summer's TikTok @summerandisaiah
#autism

[@girlfromsouth214]

It's been a real honor to watch Abby's growth over the years. It's really neat to see her accomplish new things and communicate more. I'm sure parents who are searching for tools for their kids really appreciate videos like this offering practical advice. In one of your first videos I watched, you mentioned that Abby will continue learning into adulthood and that her potential for growth is always there. That made my heart swell when you said that. I look forward to seeing what new goals she accomplishes.

[@donnaheater9090]

Thanks Asa, great tips and advice. I’m 65 and I am forgetting more and more the older I get. Your entire family always has great info to share with your subs. Watching you talk, Abbie was paying attention to every word you were saying. She knows what’s going on. Mark my words. This princess will be saying a few words by end of this year. It’s way past my bed time. Until tomorrow ❤️Love Nana from NY❤️

[@Supernannie123]

I am currently training to become an RBT and learning all about ABA and I love watching your videos and I have learned a lot from you!

[@cindysemblante4411]

Great of you to try and help people find a communication device and app that will work for their kiddo. We all deserve to communicate and be heard🤗

[@msCami3]

I wanted to thank you for providing information about assistive technology tools for autistic children. I have done two projects one for CIS102 ( Computer Information System ) which was a problem solving project and one of my education classes where I created a Power point regarding GOTALKNOW. All my ideas and information were from your videos and I thank you so much. I am not sure what grades I received but I did get the information from your videos. I used to watch your channel all the time and Isaiah, Summer, Abbie all have grown so much. Thank you for all that you guys do in the community. Because I have seen when you provided supplies for the homeless and helped with the Isaiah's football games selling snacks.

[@lindanicks1069]

Thank you so much for making this video!! 💜💜💜💜 You and your wife have done an AMAZING job with Abby! Thanks to you I understand my nephew better! He is mostly non verbal but he can say things too like I love you auntie Lyn 💕💕💕

[@jitterycore9753]

Thank you for giving me hope!

[@juliemariariley3212]

Thanks so much for sharing this and your experience- really helpful 🌻

[@darciestephenson5341]

Love you guys from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤️❤️ thanks for teaching me so much

[@ElizabethHernandez-hw6zu]

That is great information ❤

[@nikkyrosepaloma3165]

Happy Thursday Mr. Asa And Family ❤️

[@tiffanyrussotto]

Recently found your channel and love the information in them. My daughter is only 4 and has down syndrome and autism. We have an amazon tablet and been trying to find an app for her. Happy I saw this video

[@junegroves7295]

You guys are amazing!!❤️❤️❤️ Have a great night everyone!!!💜💜💜

[@kimarsenault8258]

She does a wonderful job with computer happy Thursday evening love from Canada as always ❤️😊🙏🇨🇦😘

[@anniekolbe2]

Love you guys! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ashleyphillips3526]

I’m so proud Abbie

[@NickyJohnK219]

I love watching your videos you’re the kindest sweetest family ever and Abby is so cool😎🤩❤️💗💙💚

[@lithottamera6089]

Great video

[@sarahwallace2070]

Thanks ASA for this 🥰

[@fatheringautism]

You’re welcome!

[@jessycordero]

Thank you for sharing information. I would like to here about the apps on different devices

[@jojopierson6084]

I like all the videos you guys do with Abby because alos I have auitsm and downsyresone and and ADHD I am all new this

[@suzc9573]

Love your videos amazing job to both parents Abigail is a star bless I’m new subscriber and also a mum to children with autism

[@FurryMammaNini5]

I also use TD Snap (on an ex-rental iPad mini 3)

[@derekhamburg9398]

great vlog

[@michelledubose8083]

My daughter has finally got to the point that the school is ready to fit her with an AAC device I’m so excited

[@periwinkle2493]

How old is your daughter? My son is four and I’m hoping to get started with it. Meeting with his school team to discuss it.

[@fatheringautism]

That’s awesome! Congrats

[@michelledubose8083]

@@periwinkle2493 my daughter is 8 but up until a couple of months ago she would not even look at a screen

[@wingsoul1964]

I am hard of hearing. I was born deaf due to my mother's having german measles. My mom didn't know I was deaf til I was 2 1/2 years old. I was taught to speak from age 2 1/2 to 4 years old at the Buffalo Children's Guild Speech & Hearing Clinic, Buffalo, NY. I didn't know any sign language til I was 13 years old. I never went to school for the deaf throughout my elementary and high school years...only went to hearing school (mainstreamed) and never had sign language interpreters til I started college. I am from NY. I love all the videos of you and your family, esp. Abbie. I'm learning a lot about "autism" stuff. My grandson, age 11 (will be 12 on Dec. 4th just two day after mine birthday) has AHAD and my granddaughter, age 8 can hear but is nonverbal and autism. She learned some sign language and I was soo happy that I was able to communicate with her in sign language! She does use communication board in school. I have a question...I am wondering why Abbie always take her shoes off whenever she get in the car or truck then when back home, she put shoes back on?

[@tbgrace]

I got the mini 5 last year and it also has a home button on it but understandably it’s the newest version (as far as I know) so perhaps more expensive for some people.

[@debbiestormes8269]

I love how Abbie uses her tablet. It is far easier for her to get her needs and wants out rather than using makaton etc. X

[@haannguyen4402]

What is makaton

[@debbiestormes8269]

@@haannguyen4402 Makaton is a simplified sign language that can be used from when a child is a baby. Check out 'Mr Tumble' on bbc childrens tv. He uses it all the time.

[@khahdn736]

She kmow exactly how to use ..😍

[@xtaj1555]

​@@haannguyen4402Makaton is a simpler way to sign. It's for autistic people. Makaton sign is different from sign language

[@tessalee8890]

Watching from the other side of the world. New Zealand

[@simeonyves5940]

Hello Maas Family. Hey Abbie :) I am glad the Old Pads are coming down in Price to make them more Affordable, especially as the App is rather Expensive. Indeed, go with an Old I Pad that has the "Home" Button. Yes, that Bash-Case is very Useful with Abbie! Well, take care then Guys, Bye Now.

[@MOTHCAT3o4]

Speech therapy is starting my 2.5 year old daughter on PECS, those that use the iPads for communication did your children also start out using the physical picture cards before moving to the device? Or do you think we should right off the bat start on the device? Thanks so much!

[@devingirard3402]

I am a cofounder of a Self advocacy group and I do like the apps and and I do like the TD Snap one that you showed and is there any other apps besides TD Snap prefer to use I don’t have hearing loss, but I would like to use one to be ready to meet somebody who has a communication device to help communicate with them and fill them more comfortable with them.

[@RoosterFire]

I use TD Snap on the iPad Mini 5. As a 16 yr old, she should have access to a a larger amount of words on the home screen and if fine motors are a problem, use a stylus. But access to more words is important for saving time and energy

[@jitterycore9753]

2023 app update? Thanks!

[@Cindy11166]

My daughter has the iPad 4 iPad too and she use Td snap

[@muhammadakchallenge4815]

I have Samsung galaxy tab 4.. what app do you suggest

[@canderson4381]

Does health insurance cover her device? Wouldn't it be deemed "medically necessary" by her medical provider or Speech-Language provider?

[@mamakitten220]

My son has tobii dynavox i-110 and it so big and heavy he doesn't really use it so this is super helpful since I'm looking for an device as a backup and a to go device. Just wish iPad were cheaper 😅 also great time for video it's aac awareness month

[@fatheringautism]

I think the I-110 is about $6500 if you pay out of pocket. Abbie had one that broke the first time it was dropped. The cost to repair was astronomical. So much so that it was cheaper to buy an iPad, the app, and the case. That’s how we got to where we are now.

[@mamakitten220]

@@fatheringautism lucky our insurance covers it and repair are covered up to $1500 it just to heavy for him to carry to and from places he's only 7 so it about his weight lol

[@fatheringautism]

I do remember it being pretty chunky.

[@mamakitten220]

@@fatheringautism just want to let you guys know watching your guys video have always helped me remember that bad moments don't have to mean bad days. Also my son loves to yell to Abby vocal stim

[@paularice4501]

Asa I know you had a recent video where you recommended a replacement charger for the ipad. I have searched and can’t find that link. Can you please point me in the right direction? Thanks so much!

[@tiffanihancock4464]

Can a friend who has a daughter with adhd and autism use the app as well?

[@aliciasumme2170]

I love that this is a video. I work in the ABA setting in a school and we use AAC all day mostly lamp but so awesome you're bringing the subject to light

[@michelletauson9436]

Any suggestion on organizations one could donate to - to help those who can't afford these devices? I live in Maryland.

[@fatheringautism]

I would search locally. Here we have North Florida Advocates For Autism and Related Disabilities. They use the money for grants to purchase iPads, therapies, respite, summer camp, etc for those that need it. I like the local organizations because they have less overhead which means your money goes more directly towards the devices and families in need.

[@michelletauson9436]

@@fatheringautism Thank you - I will research in my area.

[@jackieharriet3952]

We got one though medicaid in Maryland. Speech therapist prescribed it

[@lindadunaway525]

Is there an app that you would recommend for a 3.5 yr old

[@Jadyn_Sage]

Any suggestions for an app (preferably free or low cost), for an iPhone, for an adult who is usually verbal but has some moments of being non-verbal. I have tried a couple, and tend to prefer the ones that are more text based, as opposed to picture based. However, I would like a way to have some common phrases/words saved, as typing can take some time

[@hannahbaker2795]

Same question!

[@jojopierson6084]

I just got AAC device now I got on August 22 of 2022 first time of this years

[@fatheringautism]

Congrats!

[@loco4locos142]

Is the TD snap decent for someone who is older and doesn’t require as much assistance (as well an “advanced” AAC user) I am using a fairly old Tobii Dynavox app on my iPad mini 2 and I’m currently on a 9x12 setup.

[@fatheringautism]

Absolutely. It can be customized as much as you want. If you would like you could even set it up for typing.

[@joanphillips7123]

Do you show my post to Abby or read them

[@sahrahawkins8187]

💯🙏🏼🥰

[@erinsmartypants6147]

I need help

[@JaiJai988]

What happened to her dynvoxes

[@queencarley5331]

Looking for an app for a fire tablet for a toddler if anyone has any suggestions? ☺️

[@xtaj1555]

Coughdrop app is an AAC app on fire tablet

[@jojopierson6084]

I just got my frist AAC speech device yeartday frist time yeartday

[@starlamoon289]

Hi. I have autism myself and am an aac user. I currently use let me talk but I am finding it isn’t working for me. Got any recommendations for alternative options? I need an app with a search option so I can search for the words I’m looking for, because sometimes I forget where they are. Just so you know what kind of apps to suggest, i use an iPad and need a picture based system.

[@fatheringautism]

Abbie uses TD Snap and it’s picture based for iPad with a search function. We’ve been happy with it for several years now.

[@starlamoon289]

@@fatheringautism thank you. I’ll try it

[@mariacolon901]

Hello Maass family. 🥰❣❤🥰

[@ashleystribling9372]

What about an Android

[@mr_brickey]

Best AAC for me in Sweden? Have Anroid. Dont have to been in swedish

[@erinmoonie576]

Hi

[@laibahhussain1694]

Hello how are you

[@caitlin9150]

Asa do you get any funding for an AAC device for Abbie

[@fatheringautism]

No we don’t. We could through the medwaiver if we applied for it but the app is a one time fee and the devices are cheap enough that it’s easier to just replace them when needed. They typically last 6 months to a year.

[@ekoehawk7672]

iPad Air

[@jojopierson6084]

I am just giong sarted ABA thepary for the Frist time but I asked for the request for the second time to start ABA services and then the first request it was a no but second request it was yes

[@nicolemitchell9402]

We have an amazon fire tablet for our 9 year old. I would NOT recommend it unless you just want to try out the coughdrop app or a similar app or are really looking for the cheapest option (as we were when we got it). The parental controls are terrible and there are ways around them. I've spent countless hours talking with amazon customer service. My son, with all appropriate parental controls active, has been able to subscribe to channels on the prime video app. He was also able to sign up for an amazon kids subscription on an app that wasn't even supposed to be able to be opened with the parental controls turned on. If you go for an amazon kids profile you are extremely limited in what apps and things your kids can use including amazon videos that you own and allow your kids to watch, which may be what you're looking for depending on your child's age, but some of the AAC apps are not downloadable on a kids profile for whatever reason. Also, unlike the ipad, you can not lock the home button when using the device for communication only. So like when Abbie takes her device to school and can't access some of her other apps, you would not be able to do that. I don't send my son to school with his for that reason, but thankfully our local elementary has a tablet that the kids can use while doing speech therapy. My son prefers to communicate with his limited vocabulary for his wants and needs, so I haven't switched out his device because it is fine for the games he likes and streaming shows and music. I would just be cautious when choosing to an amazon fire tablet if you're looking for a multi use tablet. The biggest downfall is the WORST parental controls I've ever seen, th eonly upside is amazon is pretty great about refunding everything.

[@medicalinthusiest2180]

Do I need to pay for the app after so long, what's the money situation look like for the app?

[@fatheringautism]

One time payment of $50 but there is a trial version to see if it’s a good fit.

[@medicalinthusiest2180]

@@fatheringautism what happens when the trial is done? I’m asking because I can afford apps that cost any kind of money

[@fatheringautism]

@@medicalinthusiest2180 I don’t know, I didn’t do the trial version. We knew it was something Abbie needed to communicate so it was nonnegotiable. We paid for the app when it was $250 and it wasn’t fun but it’s a need. I would recommend looking into funding for the app of your choice. There are many resources out there to receive funding for this kind of thing.

[@medicalinthusiest2180]

@@fatheringautism thanks but not necessary I just need a free app that I can use without frustration every now and then when I’m to anxious to talk or I don’t know how to word something for me typing it out takes the stress off of trying to talk and think about all the variables of how to say something right in a certain moment or situation and I feel like for something like that a free app would work fine if it didn’t crash, big fan by the way love the content I’m all about learning about how diagnoses effects everyone so differently

[@fatheringautism]

@@medicalinthusiest2180 Gotcha. Yes, there are free apps available in the Playstore and App Store

[@annaiovesfries4270]

If I am frustrated at school my teacher will probably be like what do you want if I push swing he will probably be like okay I will get Nicole ! So she can unlock the door if I start hand leading her she will probably be like one second cassy she wants something if I put her hand on the door she will probably be like okay! I can unlock it! I will probably be like yay

[@rachelnealjan]

I am like abbey to I love iPads with the home button to I am a big a fan of the home button to I like the home button to

[@rozjones4097]

Hi from 1stie

[@ElizabethHernandez-hw6zu]

Hi Roz 👋 👋 👋

[@debbiestormes8269]

Hi Rox, feeling a bit better tonight. Yeah antibiotics and steroids kicking in. I don't have covid but i have what is called a super cold that has gone to my chest. I think i will have to put myself in lockdown for the winter. Hope you manage to stay clear of all infections.

[@debbiestormes8269]

@@ElizabethHernandez-hw6zu Thank you for sending my regards to Roz last night. It was most appropriated. 🌺🌺

[@fatheringautism]

Hi Roz, Happy Thursday

[@joannacouncil3875]

Hi Roz

[@laibahhussain1694]

Her hair gone Long I can tell

[@laibahhussain1694]

Hi