Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is the Pictalk application?

Pictalk is a communication application that uses pictograms and other content to help people with difficulties communicating.

Who is the Pictalk application for?

Pictalk is useful for individuals with communication disorders, whether from birth (such as Down syndrome, autism, ASD, Angelman syndrome) or due to an event that occurred later (stroke, accidents, neurodegenerative diseases).

Will using a AAC app hinder my child's linguistic development?

No, AAC helps language development. It reduces frustrations by providing a means of communication even before the person can speak.

What is the difference between the Pictalk application and the Pictalk website?

The Pictalk application allows for communication, while the website represents all the projects we have developed. We kept the application's name because that’s where it all started.

I am a parent, why would I use Pictalk?

Every parent understands their child, but it is essential for your child to be able to communicate with others, like at school. Pictalk helps your child open up to the world and be understood.

I am a professional, why would I use Pictalk?

From the beginning, we have designed the application based on the many feedbacks from our professional and parental users. We understand the issues related to funding, the lack of training on the subject of AAC, and especially the lack of time and energy. Pictalk will save you time and conserve your energy.

I have an old phone, will the application work?

Yes. As long as you have an internet browser like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, our applications will work.

I have several devices, does it work?

Yes. Our automatic synchronization system takes care of transferring and importing content from other devices.

Basic Features

How to use Pictalk without an internet connection?

Pictalk automatically downloads all your pictograms to your device. To check this, go to settings and ensure the green bar says "Ready to be used offline".

I am not receiving my new pictograms?

Check that you are connected to your account and the Internet. If so, try:  
1. Logging out.  
2. Closing the application.  
3. Logging back in.  
Synchronization may take up to five minutes.

How can I organize and structure all my pictograms?

This depends on the person who will use the application. For our little brother, we organized everything by themes or situations. Please refer to this video tutorial

Can I share my pictogram collections with other users?

Yes, you can share your collections with other users. Please refer to this video tutorial

How often is Pictalk updated?

Every month. We make improvement updates at least once a month and plan a major update every two years.

Registration / Account Creation

I am not receiving the validation email with the token

Check your spam folder. If you are using a professional email, it’s possible the server is blocking external emails. Contact your IT support or write to alex@pictalk.org for help.

I lost my password, what should I do?

No worries! Go to this page, then enter your email and you will receive a link to create a new password.

Technical Issues

How to report a bug?

Errors are automatically sent. If the problem persists, please email us at alex@pictalk.org explaining the issue. Please provide as many details as possible.

I lost all my pictograms

Click the "Trash" button to see if you can recover your pictograms. If you can't find them, contact us at alex@pictalk.org.

Accessibility

Is Pictalk accessible for users with vision impairments?

Yes, we strive to make the application as accessible as possible, but every disability is different. The best option is to try the application to see if it works for you.

Is Pictalk accessible for users with motor impairments?

In most cases, yes, but using it on a phone sometimes requires fine motor skills.

Can the application be used by non-verbal individuals or those with cognitive impairments?

Yes, in most cases. The best option is to test the application to see if it meets your needs.

How can I customize the application according to the specific needs of my child or patient?

Pictalk offers many settings to adapt to each user's needs. You can create, modify, and delete pictograms to customize the vocabulary.

Freemium, Pricing, and Subscription

Is Pictalk free?

The current version (2.9.1) is free, thanks to donations and funding. We plan to keep it free for as long as possible. However, we will introduce a "freemium" version to continue development.

Why did you switch from a nonprofit model to a business model?

The nonprofit model required too much time to find funding. With the freemium model, we can continue to offer a free version while having resources to improve and sustain Pictalk. Our life circumstances have also changed: we have transitioned from students to young professionals. The business model allows us to dedicate ourselves to this activity we love full time. Our mission remains the same!

I hate subscriptions, is there an alternative?

We understand! That’s why we will soon offer a one-time purchase option for the application.

I am a professional, we are lacking budget to purchase the application

Contact us, and together we will find a solution.

I want to request a refund from the MDPH, is that possible?

Yes, a detailed tutorial will soon be available to guide you through this process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Security and Data

How is user data protected on Pictalk?

We take data security very seriously. All information is stored securely and is not shared with third parties.

Does Pictalk share user data with third parties?

No, we do not share any data with third parties.

How can I permanently delete my account and personal data?

You can follow this written tutorial or sending us an email requesting deletion also works.