A
About
Pictello is a visual storytelling and social story app for iOS developed by AssistiveWare, a company specializing in assistive technology. It empowers users—particularly those with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, selective mutism, and other communication or learning differences—to create richly detailed, multi-page stories using their own photos, videos, and recorded audio. Stories can be saved and shared for revisiting routines, preparing for new situations, or practicing social skills. The app features over 170 free adult and children's voices powered by Acapela Neural Voice technology, alongside support for Apple voices and Personal Voice on compatible devices, spanning 35 languages and dialects. Word-by-word text highlighting encourages literacy development, while Wizard Mode and auditory instructions support users with limited literacy. Speak-as-you-type and playback features further reinforce language learning. Pictello is localized in 6 languages and supports alternative access methods such as switch scanning and an optional theme for cortical vision impairment. Users can also import books from the Monarch early literacy reader library, extending the app's educational value. Whether used by special educators, speech therapists, parents, or individuals themselves, Pictello provides an accessible, customizable environment for storytelling and social-emotional learning.
Key Features
- Visual Social Story Creation: Build multi-page social stories, schedules, and narratives step by step using personal photos, videos, and audio recordings to help users anticipate and understand new situations.
- 170+ Neural Text-to-Speech Voices: Choose from over 170 free adult and children's voices powered by Acapela Neural Voice technology, with support for 35 languages and dialects, Apple voices, and Personal Voice.
- Literacy-Building Tools: Word-by-word text highlighting, speak-as-you-type, and playback features actively support reading development and language learning during story creation.
- Accessibility & Alternative Access: Includes switch support, a cortical vision impairment theme, Wizard Mode for limited-literacy users, and auditory instructions to ensure inclusive usability.
- Multi-Language Support & Library Integration: Localized in 6 languages and compatible with the Monarch early literacy reader library, enabling broad educational use across diverse populations.
Use Cases
- Special educators create visual social stories to help students with autism prepare for new school routines or social situations.
- Speech therapists use Pictello to develop personalized communication aids and narrative sequencing exercises for clients with language delays.
- Parents build picture-based schedules and daily routine stories for children with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy to promote independence.
- Individuals with selective mutism use visual stories and pre-recorded audio to communicate experiences or feelings without needing to speak directly.
- Early childhood literacy programs incorporate Pictello's word-by-word highlighting and TTS features to support emerging readers in building language skills.
Pros
- Highly Accessible Design: Built specifically for individuals with a wide range of disabilities, with switch access, CVI themes, Wizard Mode, and auditory cues making it inclusive for all ability levels.
- Extensive Voice Library: Over 170 neural TTS voices in 35 languages provide natural-sounding narration, removing barriers for non-readers and supporting multilingual users.
- Supports Multiple Use Contexts: Useful for social skills training, routine preparation, recounting events, and literacy building—serving educators, therapists, caregivers, and individuals alike.
Cons
- iOS Only: Pictello is exclusively available on iOS, limiting access for users on Android, Windows, or other platforms.
- Paid App with No Free Tier: Unlike some competing tools, Pictello does not offer a free version or trial, which may be a barrier for budget-conscious users or schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pictello designed for?
Pictello is designed for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, selective mutism, and other communication or learning differences. It is also used by special educators, speech therapists, and caregivers to support these individuals.
What types of content can be added to a Pictello story?
Users can add their own photos, videos, audio recordings, and typed text to each page of a story. Text-to-speech voices can also be used to narrate the content automatically.
Does Pictello support multiple languages?
Yes. Pictello is localized in 6 languages and supports text-to-speech voices in 35 languages and dialects, making it suitable for multilingual classrooms and global use.
What is Wizard Mode in Pictello?
Wizard Mode is an accessibility feature that guides users with limited literacy through the story creation process using auditory instructions and simplified steps, reducing the reading burden.
Can Pictello stories be shared with others?
Yes. Stories created in Pictello can be saved and shared, making it easy to distribute social stories, schedules, or instructional content to students, clients, or family members.
