AAC apps for aphasia: a pilot study on the role of intuition and learning

Abstract

Participant performance and stated preferences appeared to favour the layout found in Proloquo2Go, possibly suggestive of greater intuitiveness in the absence of training. However, significant learning was not observed across two trials, suggesting the importance of training and increased exposure.Implications for RehabilitationIndividuals who are diagnosed with aphasia may have long-term communication difficulties that require alternative means of communication.There are numerous commercially available augmentative and alternative communication applications (AAC apps) which may be beneficial for this population. However, there is limited research examining their usefulness.This study with a small sample of individuals with aphasia found that in the absence of training some apps may be easier to use than others.Additionally, the study found that learning may not occur in the absence of training highlighting the importance of treatment.