Grid3 and TD Snap are two AAC applications that each bring something unique to the table. Grid3 is appropriate for children, TD Snap offers a more diverse range of natural voices and a different level of simplicity. They have varying levels of language and motor planning. Some tablet devices are compatible with both applications, while others aren't. On TD Snap, pricing is different, and care team coordination is frequently better. There's a lot to see! Choosing the best AAC app, autism talker gadget, and means of communication in general might be difficult, which is why we have broken it down for you. See how Grid3 stacks up against TD Snap in the table below.
TD Snap |
Grid3 |
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|---|---|---|
| Good for Early Communication |
Limits early learners because it does not have a robust enough vocabulary to give early learners a place to grow.
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Can help early learners but includes an overwhelming set-up process
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| Affordable Pricing |
The dedicated devices offered are thousands of dollars, and the iOS or Windows app-only version is $49.99.
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The app-only is £9.99 per month or £349.99 one-time-payment. But dedicated devices are hundreds of dollars and funding is complicated.
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| Easy to Get Started |
There is little support in setting TD Snap up, leaving caregivers to spend quite a bit of time figuring out how to customize it on their own.
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There are different "Grid sets" to choose from, so setup and process is different for each.
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| Behavior Supports |
TD Snap does include some schedules, timers and scripts to help kids with transitions, but they are not of the highest quality.
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25 animated activities that help kids learn how to make choices.
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| Multiple Device options |
While TD Snap does have a dedicated device option that is expensive, the app-only version is only available on iPad.
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The app-only download is only available on iPad. However, some of the expensive dedicated devices offered do include options for eye-gaze, switch, touch, and pointing devices.
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| Easy Parent Modeling |
This app includes an internal search bar to show the path to words, but it requires taking the device out of a child's hands.
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"Find word" functionality has to be added to the grid set to help guide a path to a word
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| Incentives to practice |
TD Snap does not have a point system or incentive program to help kids learn faster.
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The limited games offered may help children be excited to interact with the talker
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| Natural voices and language availability |
TD Snap is available in Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (US, CA, GB, AU), Finnish, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Multiple voices are offered, with the option to purchase additional voice engines.
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Available in 15 languages.
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| Customer Support |
TD Snap is made by Tobii Dynavox, so to get support outside of FAQ articles, you need to reach out to them via phone or email during office hours.
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Available by phone, website chat, and email, but limited onboarding support
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| Motor Planning |
TD Snap uses Core-First Vocabulary. It also has expandable grid sizes, which can make learning through motor planning difficult.
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Each grid is based on the same layout, which helps with motor planning
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| Simplicity of screen |
There is a strange scrolling sequence that can be confusing!
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Depends on the grid chosen. Some are more complicated than others! Deciding which is best can be a bit overwhelming.
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| Affordable dedicated device option |
Because TD Snap is offered through Tobii Dynavox, all the dedicated devices can be thousdands of dollars and are expected to get medicaid or insurance involved.
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Funding a dedicated device includes a 4 step process with lots of paperwork and forms. The device costs are not clear up front.
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| Communication with spelling |
TD Snap does include a page for literate users to spell words.
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Grid3 does have a keyboard functionality that can be added to a grid
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| Built-In Safety and 9-1-1 Calling features |
No 9-1-1 funcitonality available.
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There is no built-in feature for safety.
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| Reminders to Practice |
TD Snap has a very limited functionality that includes language, but not reminders to practice new skills.
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No reminders to practice Grid3 are included in-app.
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| Image and Symbol Quality |
While there is a limited symbol set included, users can add their own symbols. However, it does offer a lot of diversity options when editing symbols.
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Grid3 uses a variety of symbols: Widgit, PCS, Symbol Stix and Snap Photos
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| Fun Games to Build Skills |
Unfortunately, there are no games included with the purchase of TD Snap.
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Grid3 does offer interactive learning through 25 animated activities.
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| Levels of vocabulary |
The only words available are those in the Core First vocabulary.
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While there does not seem to be a simple step-waise vocabulary, Grid3 does offer core word vocabulary that sits next to activity-specific language.
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| Care team access |
Because TD Snap is a Tobii Dynavox app, it does include a cloud-based resource for backing up and managing the app, as well as share with a care team. But care team member's access is quite limited!
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Remote editing can only be done from a Windows computer.
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