PECSTalk™ vs ALMA Spectrum

PECSTalk™ is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app used by individuals with complex communication needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Designed by the developers of the evidence-based Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), this high-tech option is customizable and easy to use! With access to the full Pics for PECS library, multiple voice output options, and multiple languages, the PECSTalk™ app can be individualized for your learner’s needs. With PECSTalk™, users can construct a multi-picture Sentence Strip™ via a dedicated Sentence Starter™ page and create up to 30 digital PECS book pages for the in-app voice to speak. The digital display is similar in layout to a traditional PECS Communication Book while accommodating the more robust vocabulary of a Speech Generating Device (SGD). The PECSTalk™ app can be used to make requests, respond to questions, comment and ask questions. By converting pictures and text into spoken language, the PECSTalk™ app empowers non-speaking learners to fully participate in their school, home, vocational, and community settings. Languages Available: English, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish Features of PECSTalk™: Looks like a traditional PECS book with colored, tabbed pages with VELCRO® strips and a Sentence Strip so you can create a digital PECS book that looks identical to your learner’s book, accommodates vocabulary growth and grammatical expansion Access to the full Pics for PECS image library Create customized user defined images Backup & Restore- backup your books locally or to the cloud AND share across multiple platforms and devices Scrollable pages Universal No capabilities- rather than hiding or eliminating an image, a universal No symbol can be overlaid on an image indicating the item is not currently available. Capability to build bilingual books Drag and drop pictures from the tabbed pages to the Sentence Strip just like with a traditional PECS book Switch between pages by scrolling between and tapping on different tabs Rearrange pictures on the Sentence Strip without having to delete pictures Clear Sentence Strips with a single button push or clear individual pictures by swiping them back to the book Integrated features from the PECS protocol such as constant time delay for the in-app voice Customize each book: Open or close the dedicated Sentence Starter page with a single touch Create 1-30 tabbed pages (with up to 28 pictures per page), each with 3 scrollable pages Each book can hold up to 2,500 images Customize each tab by number of VELCRO® strips, color, category icon, and/or number of pictures on each page Customize pictures: Use Pics for PECS images (full picture set included) or add images from your photo library and the web Change text on pictures as well as size Put text on top or bottom of pictures, or remove text Search function for the Pics for PECS library included Speech: Use included synthesized speech or record your own speech Incorporate the research-based constant time delay for ‘reading’ the Sentence Strip to create opportunities for the student to speak Select from included profiles or create new profiles to customize: How pictures are moved: tap, drag or both How to clear (reset) the Sentence Strip Visibility of Sentence Starter page Reading Sentence Strip left to right or right to left When to read the Sentence Strip: as each picture is selected or with a single tap of the “Speak” button after the Sentence Strip is completed Track Learner Usage: Day by day list of Sentence Strips constructed by the student Weekly and monthly analysis of most frequently used pictures

ALMA Spectrum is an all-in-one AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) app. It helps children with autism and those with limited verbal abilities express themselves, learn daily skills, and gain confidence through visual support.  Developed with experts, trusted in practice

 Created in collaboration with specialists in autism, speech therapy, special education, and psychology. ALMA Spectrum is used as a professional AAC tool in therapy centers and special education classrooms to support communication and development. Perfect for use at home & in therapy

 For parents
Transform daily routines into opportunities for learning and give your child a way to be understood

 For specialists
A flexible, customizable tool for speech therapists, SPED teachers, and psychologists to use in sessions and assign for home practice

 For schools & centers
An effective support resource for early intervention programs and special needs classrooms Key features A customizable AAC communicator
A set of visual cards with text-to-speech that enables children to express wishes, emotions, and intentions. The built-in library can be fully customized for each child: adjust the voice, add personal photos, remove images, and keep only the cards that are truly needed. It helps children communicate their wants and feelings clearly and confidently. Social stories for real-life situations
Prepare for new or challenging events—like haircuts, grocery shopping, doctor visits, or going to school — with visual stories. Our easy editor lets you create custom scenarios tailored to the child’s needs. Builds predictability, reduces anxiety, and teaches social rules. Task planner  Support daily routines with a visual task planner. Create custom tasks with pictures, schedules, and rewards to help children build independence, stay organized, and develop healthy habits. Children can easily see what needs to be done and track their progress. Designed to support children with

 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Speech and language delays Down syndrome Cerebral palsy (CP) Severe speech impairments Consequences of brain injuries And other conditions Lessons & guidance ALMA Spectrum includes video lessons for parents, showing how to use the app to support learning at home. Why families and therapists choose ALMA Spectrum

 Provides an immediate way for children to express needs, choices, and emotions Makes the world more understandable, easing transitions and social situations Monitors progress in communication and cognitive skills over time Creates consistency between home, therapy, and school with a shared tool Helps children build life skills and self-confidence step by step Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/