Proloquo2Go vs GRID - any thoughts?

[continueasyouare]

I was wondering if anyone had any experience or thoughts on either of these two apps for communication? I'm looking to purchase one and after doing the trials both have pros and cons - just wondering if there is a long term user out there who may have some pearls of wisdom so I can make an informed choice. For context, my DD is 5 with GDD and Autism, will be starting SS in Sept and can navigate an ipad and remote better then me!

We have both. As you will be using an iPad either app is good. Proloquo2go doesn't work on windows but the windows version of grid 3 would.

Proloquo2go uses symbolstix which are nice easy to use as are the icons used in grid 3 (think they are widgets. They are not interchangeable so if she is using symbol sets in other areas check what they are so that she is not confused by the changes.

We found both apps excellent, but grid seems easier overall and is very versatile. We have the suite (grid 3) on windows which has loads of different apps within it from symbols to plain vocabulary but on iPad I think it's just Grid?

Proloquo2go we found a little 'messy' and more confusing to a child as they learn, and grid 3 more straightforward. They both grow with the child's vocabulary. Proloquo2go has an in app purchase of Gateway which we found far easier to use, but the app itself is very expensive so it's a big outlay. Grid used to offer a free trial so if still available I'd go with that. I think grid for iPad is cheaper but as it's a British organisation whereas Proloquo2go is American, I'd go with grid.

This is so helpful thank you. My gut is telling me GRID and we did do the trial but had some issues so have contacted the Rep for a visit. We use Widget for all our visuals as we found Proloquo2go really obscure at times and the former much more accessible and clear. The cost does hurt (GRID twice as much as Pro but I think the support is much better) but it will be worth it in the long run. Our SLT isn't pro apps and refuses to set us on the pathway to apply for one as she feels its too soon - our private SLT says the complete opposite. So if we want to try it, they've made it clear we are on our own for now. Thanks so much again - its so helpful to hear how you've got on with it.

@continueasyouare
We were in exactly the position. School salt saying no, and actually telling the school not to use the iPad, even though they were using it successfully with gateway (in app purchase on Proloquo2go). Go with your gut. Your child communicates in multiple ways and offering a more formal way is so right. I would go with Grid as it's so versatile and if you call the team they are so helpful on the phone. We use grid 3 with a windows device and they can remotely access it and sort out little problems. As you know windows is so much more complicated than apple devices so grid for iPad will be easier. There's also a Smartbox Facebook page and a Proloquo2go Facebook page. We now use eye gaze as DS is physically disabled and it's easier, but grid 3 has so much more behind it than Proloquo2go. So we started with Proloquo2go and moved in to Grid. Just to add into the mix with have tobii dynavox Snap + core which is another good one and very similar to grid.

Sorry it's called TD Snap

You can download TD snap lite free to get an idea of how they work. I don't think it speaks. With Grid for iPad you get a whole suite plus games by the look of it. The windows grid you can download tons of grids like you tube, Disney plus, advent calendar. So that's why it's so expensive

I don't understand the reason behind SALT making us jump through hoops to acquire this - they have currently gone AWOL and haven't heard from them since Jan - the last visit was August so we just took matters into our hands. I assume its cost. I think it will be GRID and I think we may even get the device from them as well as we've had a slight accident with the ipad today! Do you mind me asking why you choose to use 3?

We had settled on TD snap because it was cheaper. Then the school DS attended had a new teacher who specialised in AAC and eye gaze, and he preferred the grid 3.

Because snap uses one type of symbol I had to alter some of the symbols on the grid to make it look similar, but the different symbols are available in grid. Grid 3 is a massive suited programmes that grow with the child, as do they all. You get good at programming and it's good fun. You can do it in one machine and it uploads to Dropbox, then downloads to the child's device so you don't even need to take it away from them. It has grids that are pure text for adults, so it lasts forever.

Ah I see - I think I'm sold!