LAMP Words for Life vs Spoken

LAMP Words for Life is an augmentative and alternative communication app for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. It combines speech output, a hybrid symbol system, and customizable layouts. Each word is assigned a consistent motor pattern, intended to support automaticity as vocabulary expands. The preprogrammed vocabulary contains thousands of words, forms, and endings, with options in English, Spanish, Canadian French, and German. Vocabulary Builder can display only selected words for focused practice, while Word Finder locates words and supports motor-sequence practice. Access methods include touch, single- or two-switch scanning, and head tracking on compatible devices. Voices include Acapela, Almagu, and VoiceKeeper. Data logging can sync with Realize Language, and iShareWFL backs up and shares customized vocabulary files. The app runs on iPhone, iPad, and Apple-silicon Mac. The listed individual iOS price is $149.99 as a one-time purchase, with a 30-day trial.

Spoken is an augmentative and alternative communication app for people who cannot use speech because of nonverbal autism, aphasia, stroke, or other speech and language disorders. Users compose messages on a mobile device, and the app reads them aloud with text-to-speech. It predicts words and can offer suggestions that adapt to a user’s communication. Access methods include touch, typing, handwriting, drawing, eye tracking, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. The free base version includes an attention button, large text display, large print mode, dark mode, and phrase sharing. Premium adds saved phrases, customizable lifelike voices, and a quiz that tailors suggestions to familiar people, pets, and places. Spoken runs on iOS and iPadOS 11 or later, Android 5.1 or later, and Apple Silicon Macs. Internet access is needed for all features, though limited functions work offline. The automatic Premium trial lasts around 600 words. The base app remains available afterward; Premium costs $12.99 a month, $99 a year, or $249, paid once website purchase.