Applications for people with cognitive disabilities, autism, and aphasia
Pictalk improves the communication and autonomy of people with intellectual disabilities, autism, aphasia, or cognitive disorders.
The challenges of cognitive disabilities in daily life
The experience lived with our little brother Pablo, who has Down syndrome, allowed us to understand the difficulties faced by people with cognitive impairments:
- Communication difficulties: Inability to express verbally, frustration, social isolation
- Lack of time cues: Anxiety related to unpredictability, misunderstanding of schedules
- Unsuitable or impractical tools: Generalist applications that are too complex or unsuitable for specific needs
We now want to help as many people as possible, so that they no longer have to face the same difficulties we did.
Pictalk Buddy: For communication and autonomy
Pictalk is a non-profit association that designs applications to meet the specific needs of people with cognitive disabilities.
A complete application
Alternative and Augmentative Communication Module
For non-verbal, aphasic people or those with difficulties in oral expression. Communicate thanks to more than 40,000 pictograms, build sentences, and use speech synthesis to make yourself understood.
Agenda Module, Sequences Module and Notebooks Module
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To structure daily life with a visual schedule, guided sequences for routines (getting dressed, brushing teeth) and a life notebook to share important moments with loved ones or caregivers.
Usable together or separately according to each person's needs. Compatible on smartphone, smartwatch, tablet and computer. Works offline.
"My 9-year-old son with severe autism did not speak. Thanks to Pictalk Buddy, he can finally tell us when he is hungry, if he is in pain, what he wants to do. He knows what will happen during his day. Less anxiety, fewer meltdowns. These applications have transformed our daily life."
How to get started with Pictalk Buddy?
Step 1: Install the application
Download Pictalk Buddy from the Play Store or from the AppStore or on Computer
Step 2: Start simple
For Communication:
- Create a first board with 5-10 pictograms of preferred objects or activities
- Set an example by using the application in front of the person
- Gradually increase the vocabulary over the weeks
For routines:
- Add 2-3 events of the day (meal, preferred activity, bedtime)
- Create a first simple guided sequence (brushing teeth in 3 steps)
- Check the schedule together every morning
Step 3: Notice the progress!
Allow some adaptation time for the person supported and observe the progress!
Setup time: 15 minutes
Required level: No technical skills necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pictalk AAC completely free?
Pictalk Buddy operates on a pay-what-you-want model: no advertising, no subscription, all features accessible. To support the project, you will sometimes be offered to make a donation from the app — one-time or monthly, without obligation.
Does Pictalk AAC work for aphasia following a stroke?
Absolutely. Pictalk Buddy is used by many people with aphasia to regain the ability to communicate. The pictograms allow expressing needs, emotions, and thoughts even without speech. The speech therapist can adapt the vocabulary for rehabilitation.
My child has a severe intellectual disability; is Pictalk AAC suitable?
Yes. Pictalk Buddy adapts to all levels of cognitive disability. You can start with 2-3 very simple pictograms and progress at the person's own pace. The interface is clean, visual, and distraction-free.
Can I use Pictalk AAC in a special education or medical-social setting (IME, ESAT, FAM)?
Yes. Many facilities already use Pictalk Buddy. You can create profiles for each person supported and share content among professionals. Dedicated plans exist for these settings to facilitate multi-user management.
Does Pictalk AAC work without internet connection?
Yes, once the app is installed and content created, everything works offline. Ideal for use on the go, on vacation, or in places without wifi.
Can I synchronize between multiple devices?
Yes. Create an account to synchronize your communication boards and schedule between smartphone, tablet, and computer. Convenient to share between home, school, and professionals.
Is there technical support to help us?
Yes, our team answers questions by email, and we provide illustrated guides and video tutorials. Responding to each request takes time: we prioritize help for association members and users involved in the community. Joining Pictalk AAC gives you access to priority support.
Can I try Pictalk AAC without creating an account?
Yes, you can download and use Pictalk Buddy immediately without creating an account. Account creation is optional and only enables synchronization between devices and content sharing.
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