Clinical disclaimer
TalkAlong is a practice tool that supports speech and communication. It is designed to work alongside a speech pathologist — not instead of one.
An adjunct, not treatment
TalkAlong is not a medical device, a diagnosis, or a treatment, and it does not provide medical or clinical advice. It delivers the model, the structure and the volume of everyday practice between sessions. Choosing what to practise and judging how speech is progressing stay with the person's speech pathologist and carer.
Where we stand on the evidence
TalkAlong is built on established, evidence-based approaches to speech practice, drawn from motor-learning principles. The strongest direct evidence for app-based practice is as an adjunct alongside a speech pathologist. The research is still developing for some groups — in particular, direct evidence is limited for adults with Down syndrome. We would rather be useful and clear than overpromise, and we will not ask families or funders to overclaim.
Understanding, not grading
TalkAlong does not act as a clinical assessment. Where it learns how a person says particular words, this is only to understand them better — never to score, grade or diagnose their speech.
Please see a professional
If you have concerns about speech, language or communication, please see a qualified speech pathologist or your doctor — that is the best first step, and TalkAlong works best with one in the loop. TalkAlong is not for medical emergencies; in an emergency, call 000.