“The Talking Mats app can be used as an interactive tool to help a person express their opinions, choices, ideas and preferences. The app is specifically designed for people with communication difficulties to express their ideas on a wide range of topics through a structured discussion format.

…Talking Mats incorporate the use of pictures to facilitate discussions. A person can choose the pictures they would like to have available then sort them under a visual scale (e.g. yes/no/maybe).

…The app provides instructions and has a simple display with pictures that can be moved on the screen.

…The app is motivating in itself to use as a person is able to choose between a range of symbols to communicate their preferences to another person. A person can move symbols on the screen to reflect their thoughts and preferences. The app does not produce any sounds and is designed to use interactively during conversations.

…A person can import their own pictures to the Talking Mat, thereby making it more relevant to their day to day living activities.

The app can provide a visual framework to guide conversations and may be used to:

• get to know a person better
• help a person express their preferences and feelings
• help a person process information and organise their thoughts
• support a person to understand information about key decisions
• help with goal setting and planning
• help a person express their preferences
• structure and facilitate a conversation.

Many people with Autism are visual learners, therefore presenting information in an interactive, visual form may appeal to many people and support a person to express themselves.”