Words in Pictures 2.1.1

The application "Words in Pictures" has been thoughtfully designed as a practical tool to facilitate visual communication for children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders or intellectual impairments. Recognized as the "Best App for Patients" at the AboutPharma Digital Awards in 2013, it has continually evolved to meet user needs.

Currently supporting five languages—Italian, Spanish, English, French, and German—and featuring numerous recent updates, this app offers a free two-week trial with optional subscriptions tailored to different requirements.

Autism often impairs the comprehension of abstract concepts; therefore, visual supports become essential for effective communication. "Words in Pictures" functions as a portable companion—allowing users to carry customized picture cards on their iPhone or iPad, which serve as visual representations of words and concepts. These cards enable users to construct messages and plan daily routines efficiently. Developed with input from speech therapists, neuropsychiatrists, educators, and parents worldwide, the app reflects a collaborative effort to enhance its usability and effectiveness.

The core aim of the application is to foster enriched interactions through visual supports, helping autistic individuals better understand their environment and maintain meaningful contacts with others. Its pragmatic approach emphasizes practical use by adults, gradually building communication exchanges that start from the adult and focus on shared understanding, ultimately encouraging active participation from the individual with ASD.

The app comprises four main sections with intuitive access tailored for parents and professionals, coupled with engaging graphics designed for children:

• Pictures: Create or customize cards linked to specific concepts. The interactive vocabulary encompasses over 1,200 symbols selected by experts, allowing users to test understanding, develop new cards with images, text, and audio, and organize personal categories.
• Messages: Quickly generate instructions or rules by typing text that the app converts into sequences of images. Users can add new cards, record personalized voices, save messages for future use, and tailor communication effectively.
• Agenda: Visualize daily routines and weekly schedules by assembling sequences of cards. The feature supports multi-level detail views, allows children to participate in decision-making between options, and enables activity markers for routine management.
• My Words: An archive where frequently used messages are stored for quick retrieval in a view-only format, aiding in managing critical interactions without risk of modification.

Main features include swift search capabilities by word or category, instant message translation into symbols, a word predictor tool, customizable card creation with images, audio, and user-defined categories. It supports engaging interactions—such as selecting favorite activities—and practical functionalities for on-the-go use via mobile devices complemented by step-by-step visual guides.

The development team collaborates with Vidiemme Consulting to ensure ongoing improvements. For further information, please visit www.fingertalksapp.com.