The Communications Toolbox App Review
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App Overview
The Communications Toolbox is about giving children the tools to communicate. This unique speech app was created for children with Autism, and developmental delays. It encourages speech and so it could also benefit typically developing children to expand their vocabulary. Therapists, teachers, and parents will love this app and the large image library that is included. There are over 1100 images and 20 categories. Additional categories are available for purchase. All of the progress can be tracked in an assessment report for better insight. The Communications Toolbox was developed by two behavioral therapists with focused experience on children who have Autism.
App Features
When you enter the app’s main menu, you will see multiple options. You can play the levels, learn more about The Communications Toolbox, rate the app, visit the developer’s website, and add modules. Purchasing more categories and images can be done choosing “Add Modules”.
When you press the play button, you will see 3 levels. You also have other options including: Preferences, Reports, and App Mode. In preferences, you can choose a reinforcer, and choose the number of images to play in each session. The reinforcers’ are animated stickers that you receive every time you answer a question correctly. Once you have gotten a certain number of stickers, a larger version of the reinforcer will play on the screen with fun sound effects. You can choose between stars, trains, trucks, music notes, and bubbles. In reports, you can view how the childs results and gain more insight. In app mode, you can choose between auto play mode and guided mode where you can set a password.
Ok, let’s play! You will choose a designated number of images and add them to the picture strip. Once you have selected them, you will press “go”. The app will ask the user to point to the correct item. If they don’t point to the right one, the correct choice will shake so that it becomes clear which one to pick.
Level Breakdown
The Communications Toolbox includes 3 levels within the app. This is how they are broken down.
Level 1 teaches children to identify common items. The library is incredible. It contains tons of images and they are searchable. This level helps develop receptive language skills.
Level 2 discusses the functions and purposes of common items. For example, if you are talking about an airplane, this level might discuss how the airplane has wings, or how it flies in the air.
Level 3 talks about items in different rooms of a house. The child must identify if the item belongs in that room and where in the room it should be placed.
What’s Great About This App
This is a great app for teachers and therapists. I believe the images would work really well in ABA programs. I also love that the data is tracked and can be easily seen on an assessment report. The images are searchable and easy to find. It did take me a little bit to get acquainted with the app and feel comfortable with all of the settings but once I did spent a little time with it, I was definitely excited about what it has to offer. I think parents will like this app and can use it with their kids. A series of questions are asked through the app and the child is required to point at the screen to answer. My 5 year old son who tested out this app with me loved the reinforcers. They have fantastic sound effects that make it exciting to get stickers. Overall I think this app has great features that can enhance a child’s vocabulary and encourage learning. I would definitely recommend it in a therapy setting.
The Communications Toolbox website explains more about the development, strategies, and features included in the app. At the time of writing this review The Communications Toolbox retails for $19.99.
Buy The Communications Toolbox in the App Store
A fun and unique app that enhances speech and language development
