What is the best text to speech technology for autism?
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder face a number of challenges, such as trouble sleeping, sensitivity to noise, and mood instability. Communication problems are especially difficult, which is why any assistive technology that can address the verbal side of this disorder is essential.
One such technology is text to speech (TTS). Let’s explore how it helps with autism and what Speechify, one of the best TTS apps available, can do for people with this condition.
How does text to speech help with autism?
Whether you have autistic children or are diagnosed with this disorder, you’re not alone. You can meet your or your loved ones’ special needs and improve social interactions more effectively with text to speech apps. Here are the benefits of this technology:
Helping those with verbal communication issues speak electronically
There are many augmentative and alternative communication devices to promote electronic communication in people with developmental and learning disabilities. These hand-held gadgets play words and phrases after pressing keys or buttons or touching a switch.
Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or a regular user, these communication aids are available on numerous platforms. This includes iOS and Android smartphones, Apple iPads, and laptops. Used correctly, this form of speech therapy and synthesis enhances verbal skills.
TTS is a useful reading tool
You can also benefit from TTS apps if you struggle with reading. These tools can help you cope with many disorders, not just autism. This includes dyslexia and ADHD.
Here’s how the technology works:
- You enter a text from Google Docs, physical text, or other sources.
- Click the “Play” button.
- Let the TTS tool read your content aloud.
Many studies show these platforms help you focus on your material rather than the act of reading. It enables you to understand the content better, which can increase your motivation, confidence, and nonverbal skills.
Enhancing the learning process
TTS technology has become so advanced that you can now find AI-based tools that analyze word meaning before playing them. This way, they can determine the right tone to use to make the experience more realistic and enhance the learning process.
Environments that incorporate this technique can raise your engagement. More importantly, it allows you to focus on the meaning of the text rather than try to figure out the correct tone or inflection.
Speechify – The best text to speech tool for those with autism
You can use many TTS tools to address the symptoms of autism. However, Speechify is the go-to option for most users. Here’s why:
Available for multiple devices
One of the most impressive features of Speechify is that it’s compatible with all major devices. You can use it on any smartphone, including Android and Apple iPhone devices. Most tablets are also supported, and the platform works great with practically any laptop or desktop computer.
Speechify takes device compatibility to the next level by allowing you to access the technology from your browser. Therefore, if you have autism, you no longer need to go back and forth between your PCs and phones. All the features are available as a Chrome extension.
Uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology
High-quality special education and individualized education (IEP) programs take a different approach to teach learners with autism. One of the elements professionals can incorporate into their routine is optical character recognition (OCR).
Speechify runs a cutting-edge version of this technology. It allows the platform to recognize words from images, enabling you to upload virtually any text.
For instance, it can read photos from documents and road signs, dramatically improving comprehension. This also eliminates the need to convert the material into its digital version, saving time.
Available in many languages
Many individuals with autism have a hard time using assistive technology because it’s not available in the language they wish to learn. If you’re one of them, you won’t have this problem with Speechify. You can use the app in more than 30 languages, including the following:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Japanese
- Arabic
- German
Adjustable reading speed
Some TTS apps omit a crucial feature from their package – the ability to adjust the reading speed. The lack of this functionality can prevent persons with autism from keeping up with the content.
Fortunately, Speechify doesn’t have this issue. It allows you to slow down or speed up the speech, depending on your current comprehension skills. The more you use the tool, the easier you’ll be able to understand complex content.
AI-generated natural voices
Speechify is an AI-based tool, but this doesn’t mean it produces robotic audio. On the contrary, there are natural-sounding narrators to enhance your learning experience. The recordings feature human voice pitch and tone for greater immersion.
Other TTS tools to consider
You can try some other tools to facilitate your learning as a person with autism:
Proloquo2go
Proloquo2go is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tool. It’s excellent for building language skills, allowing you to express yourself through convenient images.
This AAC app targets all users, including beginners and advanced learners alike. It’s highly customizable and great for teaching a range of visual and fine motor skills.
The app’s flexibility makes it ideal for improving the non-verbal abilities of a person with autism. It also works great for other disorders, including dysarthria, apraxia, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
Proloquo2Go, one of the best apps for AAC learning, is only available on the App Store.
Spoken
Spoken is a platform that can help you communicate more efficiently by predicting the words you wish to enter. It enables you to build sentences quickly on a tablet or phone and the app speaks them automatically.
Try Speechify for free
You can streamline your experience with a robust TTS communication app. Speechify offers natural-sounding voices, customizability, and highlighting. Users can not only enjoy hearing any text read aloud but also adjust the reading speed as well as choose from a variety of narrators. Try the features of Speechify for free today to see how it can meet your needs.
FAQ
What is the best communication device for autism?
TTS apps are some of the best communication devices for autism due to their ability to narrate text aloud.
What are high-tech AAC devices for autism?
High-tech AAC autism devices are electronic gadgets with powerful processors that help caregivers address complex communication needs.
What alternative communication methods do autistic people use?
Autistic people use sign language, typing, and visual symbols.
How much does an AAC device cost?
You can buy most AAC devices for less than $1,000.
Is there a free version of Proloquo2Go?
Proloquo2Go offers free versions on a case-by-case basis. You need to contact their customer support to determine if you’re eligible.
Is AAC good for autism?
Yes. AAC is good for autism by providing a more accessible means of communication.
