Spoken Announces Update and Plans for Autism Acceptance Month

MARIETTA, Ohio - April 3, 2024 - PRLog -- In its latest effort to bridge communication gaps, Spoken has announced an update to its augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app, aimed at providing adults with speech challenges a more intuitive and inclusive tool for expression. Alongside this update, Spoken is offering a 50% discount on its premium version throughout April in support of Autism Acceptance Month.

The centerpiece of the app update is the pairing of icons with over 600 additional terms, an enhancement that addresses two key user needs. First, it significantly speeds up word identification. Spoken's unique AI-driven predictive feature presents a list of words the user is most likely to say, a process where an adjacent icon can be pivotal in quick and accurate word selection.

"Through the addition of all these new icon-word pairings, we're making it easier for users to articulate their thoughts using the app. We've designed our icons to be minimalistic yet easy to understand, facilitating immediate recognition without overwhelming the user," explains Evan Lauer, designer at Spoken.

Second, the update offers invaluable support for users who may struggle with word recall despite being able to visualize what they want to express. "For those who find it challenging to retrieve specific words due to conditions like anomic aphasia, these icon-word pairings can be a lifeline," Lauer adds.

Spoken's initiative this month also aims to address a larger issue—the millions of adults worldwide who could significantly benefit from AAC technology but remain unreached due to a lack of awareness. Lauer explains, "A lot of adults don't even realize AAC is an option because so much of it is aimed at children, with simple vocabulary. The experience of using these apps or devices can feel limiting or even infantilizing. That is a big problem for autistic teens and adults, who are already infantilized by stereotypes. Spoken's ability to dynamically suggest words strips away the restrictions inherent to most AAC, making it a great option for already literate adults."

Spoken believes AAC can be for anyone. "Our app has proven that it can be a vital communication tool, not just for those who are unable to speak, but also for individuals who may choose AAC as a preferred method of expression," Lauer emphasizes. "During Autism Acceptance Month, we're especially focused on helping the autistic community discover how Spoken can support their communication needs, offering an empowering alternative for those who sometimes go nonverbal or find speech draining."

The company is also offering a half-off discount on its premium version throughout April to improve access. The sale continues Spoken's yearly tradition, celebrating Autism Acceptance Month and underscoring their dedication to the autistic community.

For more information, visit https://spokenaac.com.