Many families utilize AAC applications like Grid3 and TouchChat to help their children and people interact better. Many people with autism use one of these applications to communicate. Choosing between Grid3 and TouchChat might be difficult. Each one has its own cost, planning features, and device compatibility (like android tablets vs iPads). Many families prefer Grid3 because of its extensive customizability, while others prefer TouchChat because they want to include members of their care team in the language learning process. It might be difficult to choose which app is the greatest fit for communication. Continue reading to learn how these applications compare in terms of vocabulary levels, parent onboarding, customer service, and more.
TouchChat |
Grid3 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Good for Early Communication |
Is great for kids who need an interactive board that guides them to make sentences based on the selected word.
|
Early learners can benefit, but there is an overwhelming set-up process.
|
| Affordable Pricing |
The $9.99 lite version has no voice output, which can defeat much of the purpose of the app. The HD version is $149.99 and pro version is almost $300. There is no family sharing. Dedicated devices cost over $4,000.
|
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.
|
| Easy to Get Started |
There is an intense programming set up process and a 108-page manual for parents.
|
There are different "Grid sets" to choose from, so setup and process is different for each.
|
| Behavior Supports |
TouchChat is pretty simple in its function and does not offer more than communication.
|
25 animated activities that help kids learn how to make choices.
|
| Multiple Device Options |
TouchChat is only available on iOS devices (or one of two dedicated device options that cost over four thousand dollars) and is chained to one person's apple ID. This makes it difficult to use with a variety of caregivers, teachers, and locations.
|
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.
|
| Easy Parent Modeling |
The Word Finder feature is on the app itself within the keyboard functionality, meaning caregivers must take the device away from the user to show them how to find a word.
|
"Find word" functionality has to be added to the grid set to help guide a path to a word
|
| Incentives to Practice |
TouchChat does not have any internal motivators to practice.
|
The limited games offered may help children be excited to interact with the talker
|
| Natural Voices and Language Availability |
Available in English, Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic. However, many voices have to be purchased separately.
|
Available in 15 languages.
|
| Customer Support |
LiveChat or calling support is only offered when subscribed to a premium support plans. If you are using the Lite app, you have to rely on support articles for help.
|
Available by phone, website chat, and email, but limited onboarding support
|
| Motor Planning |
The vocabulary avaiable is WordPower, a word-based page set made by Nancy L. Inman, M.A.T., CCC-SLP. This type of board helps users create sentences "on the fly."
|
Each grid is based on the same layout, which helps with motor planning
|
| Simplicity of the Screen |
Buttons are often small and thin in size when using it to its fullest potential, requiring good finger dexterity.
|
Depends on the grid chosen. Some are more complicated than others! Deciding which is best can be a bit overwhelming.
|
| Safety and 9-1-1 Calling features |
TouchChat only offers the functionality of a talker.
|
There is no built-in feature for safety.
|
| Affordable and Dedicated Device Option |
The only available dedicated device is a NovaChat by Saltillo or TouchChat Express, which are over $4,000 in cost.
|
Funding a dedicated device includes a 4 step process with lots of paperwork and forms. The device costs are not clear up front.
|
| Communication With Spelling |
TouchChat offers a keyboard for creating words from letters. It also has head tracking.
|
Grid3 does have a keyboard functionality that can be added to a grid
|
| Reminders to Practice |
No built-in incentives to grow in communication.
|
No reminders to practice Grid3 are included in-app.
|
| Image and Symbol Quality |
You have to purchase additional symbol libraries and voices to make it uniquely customized.
|
Grid3 uses a variety of symbols: Widgit, PCS, Symbol Stix and Snap Photos
|
| Fun Games to Build Skills |
Touch Chat has no external or supporting games that improve AAC users' finger dexterity.
|
Grid3 does offer interactive learning through 25 animated activities.
|
| Levels of Vocabulary |
Has a robust vocabulary- base of 500 core words, has grammar features that you can turn on, and has a literacy feature called "logical linking"
|
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.
|
| Care Team Access |
The app is limited to devices logged in on the apple ID used to purchase the software.
|
Remote editing can only be done from a Windows computer.
|
See why Goally’s AAC talker app is easier to learn and better for language development than other apps.
Goally's language learning apps are just $12 a month. If it does not work for your family, you can cancel at any time.
