Comparison

TouchChat HD vs Autism iHelp

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TouchChat HD

This app provides a comprehensive communication solution for individuals with speech impairments. It offers customizable vocabulary files, synthesized voices, and various access methods to facilitate expression and interaction. Text generated can be shared via social media, email, or copied to other applications.

Highlights
  • Customizable vocabulary files
  • Built-in voice synthesizer
  • Multiple synthesized and custom voice options
  • Adjustable button activation timing
  • Support for scanning, head tracking, and eye tracking
  • Text sharing via social media, email, and iMessage
  • Import/export vocabulary files
Features
Read full description

TouchChat is a full-featured Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech. TouchChat gives an individual the ability to choose a vocabulary file which consists of pages and buttons that contain words, phrases, sentences, and other functions. Messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing a recorded message. Various synthesized and custom voice options are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their own personality. Various vocabulary files are included. Visit our website for a full list of options. The Upgrade Store provides additional in-app purchases, including the WordPower® series of AAC vocabularies designed by Nancy Inman. WordPower is a word-based vocabulary that allows for easy and intuitive communication and is available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. The Upgrade Store also provides English vocabularies files (Gateway©, Pixon®60 and Talk About AAC), services, and symbol libraries. Vocabulary files within TouchChat are fully customizable, including pages, grid layout, buttons, messages, and symbols. Select from over 45 button actions and nearly 40,000 Symbolstix® symbols* when creating new buttons. You can also choose to use an existing image or take a photo with the built-in camera. Additionally, gestures can be used to navigate to new pages, speak messages, etc. *Please note: PCS© symbols can only be used in TouchChat after an in-app purchase is completed. Button activation timing can be adjusted to meet the needs and capabilities of the user. Adjustments include button dwell time and button release time. Buttons can also be configured to activate on release. Additional access methods such as scanning, head tracking, and eye tracking may be available based on device model and may require an additional hardware purchase. Text generated with TouchChat can be shared on social media or via iMessage® and email using a wireless connection. Generate a message, push on the text window, and choose a service. Additionally, text can be copied to/from TouchChat and other applications so it can be spoken out loud. Once programming is complete, vocabulary files can be imported and exported through AirDrop, email, iTunes® file sharing, DropBox™ or Google Drive™. TouchChat also enables users to subscribe to iShare and store custom files for safe keeping (not available to customers residing in the European Union). iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. By downloading and using the TouchChat app, the purchaser accepts the PRC-Saltillo TouchChat Software License Terms. The Manufacturer of the iOS application – TouchChat is: Prentke Romich Company dba PRC-Saltillo 1022 Heyl Rd Wooster, OH 44691 USA Tel.: (330) 262-1984 // (800) 262-1984 Fax: (330) 262-4829 Email: info@aacapps.com Web: www.prc-saltillo.com The EU Authorized European Representative for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Prentke Romich GmbH Karthäuserstr. 3 D-34117 Kassel Germany Tel.: (05 61) 7 85 59-0 Fax: (05 61) 7 85 59-29 Email: info@prentke-romich.de Web : www.prentke-romich.de The UK Responsible Person for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Liberator Ltd Glenside Business Park West Pinchbeck, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 3SA UK Tel: +44 (0)1733 370470 Email: info@liberator.co.uk Web: www.liberator.co.uk/ The Swiss Authorized Representative for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Inspera GmbH Thunstrasse 64 | CH-3110 Münsingen Phone +41 31 819 74 60 | Mobile +41 79 435 53 09 mail@inspera.ch | www.inspera.ch

About

Autism iHelp

This app is a vocabulary teaching aid designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It uses real-life photos and interactive games to help develop expressive language skills. Parents and speech-language pathologists developed it to address specific learning needs.

Highlights
  • 24 real-life photos
  • Photo labels with option to turn off
  • Repetition and drill options
  • Randomized image presentation
  • Male and female voice options
  • Two learning enhancement activities
  • Progress reports
Read full description

Autism iHelp is a vocabulary teaching aid developed by parents of a child with Autism and a speech-language pathologist. Autism iHelp was inspired by the need for specific language intervention tools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder focusing on their unique strengths and difficulty with expressive vocabulary. Autism iHelp is an invaluable tool for your child with Autism when those first words just don’t come. The colorful real-life photos are presented in an easy-to-label format.  This app includes several features: 24 real world photos; it has been proven that children with Autism respond best to photos as opposed to illustrations and are very visual learners.  - 24 photos chosen based on established expressive language milestones are divided into three sub groups of eight.  With 24 photos, over-stimulation is less likely which increases the child’s ability to grasp the concepts at an appropriate rate.  - Labels of all photos with the option to turn off the label as some children with Autism may be more drawn to the written word. At the end of eight images there will be an option to try again, aiding in repetition and drill required for learning new words. - Option to have images presented at random or not, to additionally aid in generalization and concrete learning.   When audio is selected, two voice options are available—male and female.  This provides the most realistic experience for your child.  There will also be an option to turn the audio off, which would prompt your child to use his or her own voice and spontaneously label the learned words. - This app also includes two Learning Enhancement activities.  These learning activities are presented in a game-like format, and require the child to either match a picture to word given multiple word choices or choose the word that goes with the picture in a field of 4 pictures.  These games check retention of the learned vocabulary and integrate auditory and visual memory.  Additionally, you are able to track your child's gains through progress reports that average the last 3 performances of each learning enhancement activity. Autism iHelp - Play app offers engaging pictures of toys, outdoor activities, and arts and crafts often used in therapy or school.  “with Autism iHelp…..it gets better.”

Screenshots

TouchChat HD4 screens
Autism iHelp4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Autism iHelp at Free against TouchChat HD's $149.99. Autism iHelp also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (77% vs 64%). TouchChat HD's advantage is rating (3.9 vs 3.6) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Autism iHelp is free to download; TouchChat HD costs $149.99 up front. TouchChat HD sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Autism iHelp asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TouchChat HD holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 36 and 35 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of TouchChat HD's written reviews are positive against 77% of Autism iHelp's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, Autism iHelp every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
TouchChat HD versus Autism iHelp: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchChat HDAutism iHelp
Price$149.99Free — better
Rating3.9 (36 ratings) — better3.6 (35 ratings)
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews76.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings36 — better35
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.08.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.5 GB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPrentke Romich CompanyJohn Talavera

Customer experience

TouchChat HD

All ratings36 ratings
Positive61.1%
Neutral22.2%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative35.7%

Autism iHelp

All ratings35 ratings
Positive51.4%
Neutral31.4%
Negative17.1%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive76.9%
Neutral15.4%
Negative7.7%

In-app purchases

11 purchases

TouchChat HD

One-time11
  • Enable Acapela French Voices$11.99
  • Talk-About Vocabulary$44.99
  • PCS Symbol Library$49.99
Show 8 more
  • Unique Learning System$59.99
  • iShare Individual 1-Year 2GB Subscription$59.99
  • Pixon® for TouchChat$79.99
  • News-2-You and Unique Service$99.99
  • WordPower Vocabulary$149.99
  • Hebrew Language Pack$149.99
  • Gateway© Vocabulary$149.99
  • iShare Team 1-Year 30GB Subscription$239.99
None

Autism iHelp

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TouchChat HD free?
TouchChat HD costs $149.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Autism iHelp free?
Autism iHelp is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, TouchChat HD or Autism iHelp?
TouchChat HD is rated higher. TouchChat HD averages 3.9 out of 5 from 36 ratings, while Autism iHelp averages 3.6 from 35 ratings.
Do TouchChat HD or Autism iHelp have ads?
Neither TouchChat HD nor Autism iHelp shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchChat HD or Autism iHelp?
TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, and Autism iHelp every 4 months. Most recently, TouchChat HD was updated on October 23, 2026 and Autism iHelp on October 23, 2026.

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