Point OutWords™ is a free, iPad-assisted intervention co-created with autistic children and their communication therapists at the Com DEALL Trust. Designed for non-verbal and minimally verbal children with autism, it blends lived experience with clinical expertise to strengthen the foundations of communication.
By tapping into the autistic affinity for parts and details, the app nurtures manual and oral motor coordination, sequencing, and symbolic representation through caregiver-guided, errorless learning.
With three interactive modes—Point, Type, Speak—children progress step by step from pointing and dragging objects to sequencing letters and eventually speaking syllables. At the same time, the app collects valuable data to fuel ongoing research.
Unlocking Communication: Point Out Words™ for Autistic Children
For many children on the autism spectrum, especially those who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, expressing themselves can feel like an uphill journey. Families and therapists are constantly seeking innovative tools that bridge the gap between potential and expression. One such breakthrough is Point OutWords™, a free, iPad-assisted intervention developed in collaboration with autistic children and their communication therapists at the Com DEALL Trust.
What Makes Point OutWords™ Unique?
Unlike many traditional apps that focus only on output (like speaking or typing words), Point OutWords™ goes deeper. It is designed to build the foundations of communication by nurturing the very skills that make speech and symbolic representation possible.
- Manual and Oral Motor Coordination: Children practice fine motor skills, learning how to control their hands and mouths in ways that prepare them for speech.
- Sequencing: Step-by-step activities help children grasp order and structure, vital for both language and everyday functioning.
- Symbolic Representation: Through visual play, children begin to connect symbols (like letters) to meaning.
Inspired by Autistic Strengths
Point OutWords™ taps into a unique autistic affinity: a fascination with parts and details. By turning this natural focus into an advantage, the app offers an engaging pathway to communication, rather than forcing children to adapt to traditional methods that may not resonate with them.
Caregiver-Guided and Errorless Learning
The app is designed to be used with caregivers, creating a safe, collaborative, and supportive environment. Its errorless learning approach ensures that children experience success at every step, building confidence and motivation.
Three Interactive Modes
The app introduces communication gradually, allowing children to progress at their own pace:
- Point: Pointing and dragging objects, strengthening hand-eye coordination.
- Type: Sequencing letters to form words, reinforcing symbolic understanding.
- Speak: Practicing syllables and sounds, supporting emerging verbal communication.
Beyond Therapy: Data for Research
While children learn and grow, Point OutWords™ quietly collects rich data in the background. This not only supports ongoing clinical research but also helps improve the app itself, ensuring it evolves with the needs of the community.
Why Point OutWords™ Matters
Communication is more than words. It is connection, belonging, and the ability to share one’s world with others. For children who struggle with speech, Point OutWords™ provides a bridge — rooted in empathy, science, and collaboration.
Point OutWords™ is more than an app. It is a movement towards inclusive, research-backed tools that honor autistic perspectives while empowering families and therapists.
🔗 Learn more and try it out here: PointOutwords.online