10-Minute Speech Practice That Doesn't Require Sitting Still

Last updated 2026-07-10

What are Proloquo2Go and TouchChat, and how do they work?

Both apps are symbol-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools that run on iPad. A child taps picture symbols to build words and sentences, and the app speaks them aloud using text-to-speech voices. That's where the similarity ends.

Proloquo2Go is made by AssistiveWare, a Dutch assistive technology company. It has been available since 2009 and is one of the most widely recommended AAC apps in the United States. It uses a symbol set called PCS (Picture Communication Symbols) by Mayer-Johnson as its default, though it also supports SymbolStix. The app organizes vocabulary in a grid of buttons and can be programmed to grow as the child grows, starting with as few as 4 buttons and expanding to 144 ^[1].

TouchChat HD is made by Tobii Dynavox, the same company behind many dedicated AAC hardware devices. It supports several vocabulary systems sold separately inside the app, most notably WordPower (designed by Nancy Inman), LAMP Words for Life, and the simpler Essence vocabulary. The base app costs less, but you pay additionally for the vocabulary package you want ^[2].

Both apps count as "high-tech AAC" by ASHA's classification system. ASHA defines AAC as "all of the ways we share our ideas and feelings without talking," and high-tech systems are those using electronic devices or software ^[3]. For parents reading the research, that distinction matters because the evidence base for high-tech AAC in young children is strong and growing.

For a broader look at the device landscape before committing to either app, the aac devices overview is a useful starting point.

What does each app actually cost in 2024?

Price is real. These apps are expensive, and the sticker price isn't always the whole number.

Proloquo2Go costs $249.99 as a one-time purchase from the Apple App Store. There are no subscription fees after that. AssistiveWare offers a free 30-day trial through their website so you can test it before paying ^[1].

TouchChat HD costs $149.99 for the base app. But the vocabulary packages cost extra. LAMP Words for Life adds $299.99. WordPower Lite is free; WordPower 42 or 60 runs $149.99 each. If you want WordPower 108, that's another $149.99. You can easily spend $300 to $450 total for a fully equipped TouchChat setup ^[2].

So the "cheaper" app can end up costing more once you add the vocabulary system most SLPs actually recommend.

Insurance and Medicaid can cover AAC apps in many states when prescribed by an SLP as medically necessary. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) also requires schools to provide AAC as part of a child's free appropriate public education when it appears in an IEP ^[4]. Ask your SLP to write a letter of medical necessity before you buy anything out of pocket.

Which app is easier for a toddler to learn?

This is the question most parents are actually asking, and the honest answer is: it depends on what's making communication hard for your child.

For toddlers and preschoolers just starting with AAC, Proloquo2Go's default setup is hard to beat. It uses a core vocabulary approach, meaning the most frequently needed words ("more," "stop," "help," "go," "want") stay visible on a consistent home screen. Research on core vocabulary shows a small set of high-frequency words covers a large share of what children say in real life. A study in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found that roughly 36 words account for about 50% of what typically developing children say ^[5]. Proloquo2Go's Crescendo vocabulary, its built-in system, is built around that idea.

TouchChat with LAMP Words for Life uses a motor-planning approach. Each word lives in one consistent location on the screen, and the idea is that the child builds muscle memory for where to tap, the same way a pianist finds keys without looking. LAMP draws on the principles of Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) developed by researchers including Dr. Edythe Strand at the Mayo Clinic. For children with childhood apraxia of speech, motor-planning AAC has a strong theoretical and emerging clinical rationale ^[6]. But the LAMP approach needs consistent daily practice and a committed adult partner. It's harder to start than Proloquo2Go's more flexible grid.

For a very young child with no prior AAC experience, Proloquo2Go's gentler learning curve usually wins. For a child already diagnosed with apraxia, or one who has tried other AAC systems without success, LAMP Words for Life inside TouchChat deserves a serious look.

See childhood apraxia of speech and apraxia of speech for more on how motor-planning approaches fit into treatment.

Does either app have better symbol design for young children?

Symbol clarity matters more than most people realize. A toddler who can't decode what a picture represents won't tap it.

Proloquo2Go defaults to PCS symbols from Mayer-Johnson. These are line drawings with color fills, simple and clean. Many early intervention SLPs use PCS in paper-based systems too, so a child who has seen PCS in therapy will recognize the same symbols in the app. The consistency lowers the cognitive load of switching between materials.

TouchChat HD lets you choose between SymbolStix (round, cartoon-style figures), PCS, or custom photos. LAMP Words for Life uses its own symbol set that's tuned for the motor-planning layout rather than visual recognition. Some families find the LAMP symbols less intuitive at first glance.

Photographs of real objects are often the most meaningful symbols for very young children, and both apps support custom photo buttons. If your child responds better to a photo of their actual cup than a line drawing of a cup, you can set that up in either system. TouchChat makes this marginally easier to configure for parents who aren't tech-savvy, but Proloquo2Go's support documentation is excellent and walks you through it step by step.

One practical note: neither app works well on a cracked or dirty screen. A toddler-proof iPad case and a screen protector are not optional.

What do SLPs usually recommend for toddlers specifically?

Most speech-language pathologists who specialize in AAC will tell you the same thing: the best app is the one the child's whole team will actually use consistently. An app that sits on a shelf is worthless.

That said, survey data from AAC professionals tilts toward Proloquo2Go for children under 5. Survey work published in Augmentative and Alternative Communication found Proloquo2Go to be among the most frequently recommended apps, with particular concentration in early childhood ^[7]. The reasons SLPs cite include the strong core vocabulary structure, the familiarity of PCS symbols, and the quality of AssistiveWare's professional training resources.

TouchChat with LAMP Words for Life gets recommended more often for children who have a specific apraxia diagnosis, or for older children who need a faster path to longer sentences. Several school districts have also standardized on TouchChat because Tobii Dynavox offers device loans and SLP training programs that cut the district's costs.

ASHA recommends that AAC decisions involve a team, including an SLP with AAC expertise, the family, and ideally an occupational therapist if motor access is a concern ^[3]. If you don't have an SLP yet, early intervention services (free for children under 3 under IDEA Part C) can connect you with one at no cost ^[4].

If your child has already been diagnosed with autism, autism spectrum speech therapy covers how AAC fits into a broader communication plan.

How do Proloquo2Go and TouchChat handle vocabulary growth as a child develops?

A good AAC system should grow with your child. Both apps handle this, but differently.

Proloquo2Go uses the Crescendo vocabulary framework, with pre-built levels from 4 to 144 symbols. Parents and SLPs can move a child up a level when they're ready, and the layout changes automatically. The system is designed to eventually give access to any word in English, more than a preset list. AssistiveWare publishes detailed guides on how to model language on the device (a practice called aided language stimulation or aided input), which is one of the most evidence-supported strategies for helping children learn to use AAC ^[8].

TouchChat with WordPower is often credited with more sophisticated grammar and sentence-building options for children who are ready for that. Nancy Inman designed WordPower around word families and morphological endings, so a child learns "help" and then learns "helped," "helping," "helper" from the same button area. For a 4- or 5-year-old pushing toward real sentences, this is genuinely useful.

For a toddler just starting out, Crescendo's simplicity wins. For a child who has been using AAC for a year or two and is ready for more language complexity, WordPower's structure can speed up growth in a way Proloquo2Go's default vocabulary doesn't quite match.

Can either app work offline, and what devices do they support?

Both apps are iPad-only. Neither runs on Android, and neither runs on iPhone in any practical way for a child (the screen is too small). If your family is Android-based, factor in the cost of an iPad, which starts at $329 for the base model as of mid-2024.

Both apps work fully offline once downloaded. The text-to-speech voices for Proloquo2Go can be saved to the device so the app doesn't need internet. TouchChat is the same. That matters at school, in the car, and anywhere with spotty WiFi.

Proloquo2Go requires iOS 16 or later. TouchChat HD requires iOS 15 or later. Both support iPad models going back several years, so an older iPad that can run current iOS will work fine.

One accessibility detail: both apps support switch access and eye gaze through external hardware, which matters if a child has motor limitations beyond just being a toddler. If your child's OT has flagged possible motor access concerns, ask whether the app you're considering has been tested with the specific switch or eye-gaze hardware they recommend.

Is there evidence that AAC apps actually help toddlers communicate?

Yes, and the evidence is stronger than many parents expect.

A 2018 systematic review in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders examined AAC interventions in young children with autism and found consistent evidence of improved communication outcomes across study designs ^[9]. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that AAC does not delay speech development and may support it, which contradicts the old myth that giving a child a device will stop them from talking ^[10].

Neither Proloquo2Go nor TouchChat has been studied in a head-to-head randomized controlled trial in toddlers specifically. Nobody has good data on that direct comparison. The closest evidence compares AAC approaches (core vocabulary vs. motor-planning) rather than specific branded apps. Studies on LAMP-based approaches in children with childhood apraxia show promising results, but sample sizes are small ^[6].

What the research does consistently show is that early AAC introduction, paired with adult modeling, produces better communication outcomes than waiting. ASHA notes there is no minimum cognitive or language level required before introducing AAC ^[3]. "We recommend that AAC be considered for any child who cannot meet daily communication needs through speech alone," the ASHA Practice Portal states ^[3].

Parents also exploring supplemental tools at home might find it useful to look at what Little Words offers as an AI-based speech companion, which can sit alongside an AAC app rather than replacing it.

What about LAMP Words for Life versus Proloquo2Go's Crescendo, specifically?

This is the real comparison most SLPs are actually making.

LAMP Words for Life (LAMP WFL) is a vocabulary system built on motor learning theory. Every word has one fixed location that never changes, and words are reached through consistent movement patterns rather than visual search. The theory, grounded in Schmidt's motor learning principles, is that a child with motor speech difficulties will learn to communicate faster through motor memory than through visual processing ^[6]. LAMP WFL is available inside TouchChat HD or as a standalone app ($299.99).

Proloquo2Go's Crescendo is built on core vocabulary theory. High-frequency words stay on the home screen, and the child learns to communicate by building up use of those words across contexts. It's more flexible, allows more customization, and the evidence base for core vocabulary instruction in AAC is broad ^[8].

For a toddler with no specific motor diagnosis: Crescendo is probably the better starting point. It's forgiving, it grows intuitively, and most early intervention SLPs know it well.

For a toddler with a confirmed or suspected childhood apraxia of speech diagnosis: LAMP Words for Life deserves serious consideration, and you should have that conversation with an SLP who has specific LAMP training. The apraxia of speech article explains the diagnosis in more depth.

Can a toddler use two AAC systems at the same time?

This comes up a lot, and the short answer is: usually not recommended at the start.

Switching between two different grid layouts and symbol sets puts a real cognitive burden on a young child. If the button for "more" is in the top-left corner in one app and the bottom-right in another, the child can't build consistent motor memory for either. Most SLPs recommend picking one system, committing to it, and modeling it consistently for at least three to six months before deciding whether to switch or add anything.

There is one exception worth noting. Some families use a low-tech backup (a simple paper board or a keychain with a few picture cards) alongside a high-tech app. That's genuinely useful because iPads die, get left at home, and break. A five-button paper board with the child's most critical words (stop, help, more, want, done) as a backup isn't splitting their attention. It's practical.

If you're trying both apps in the free trial period to decide, that's fine. Just don't run them at once as communication tools with the child.

How do you actually get started with either app?

The single most important step is involving an SLP before or alongside downloading anything. A device without a trained communication partner will not help your child communicate.

For children under 3, contact your state's early intervention program. Under IDEA Part C, evaluations and services are free for children with developmental delays, and AAC assessment can be part of that evaluation ^[4]. The federal early intervention overview lives at the IDEA website run by the U.S. Department of Education.

For children 3 and older, contact your school district's special education department. If your child already has an IEP, request that AAC be evaluated as part of their assistive technology assessment. Schools are legally required to consider assistive technology under IDEA, and AAC apps can be included in an IEP at no cost to the family ^[4].

If you want to try an app at home before or alongside professional support, both AssistiveWare and Tobii Dynavox have free parent training videos on YouTube and their own websites. AssistiveWare's "Aided Language Stimulation" guide is particularly good. The concept, modeling AAC use by speaking and pointing to symbols yourself while talking with your child, is well-supported by research and something any parent can do ^[8].

For families exploring extra at-home support, Little Words offers a quiz to help match your child with the right communication approach before you invest in a full AAC system.

See also speech therapy speech therapist for how to find a qualified SLP if you don't yet have one.

What's the bottom line: which app should you choose for your toddler?

Choose Proloquo2Go if: your toddler is just starting with AAC, you don't yet have a specific diagnosis driving the choice, your SLP knows core vocabulary approaches, and you want an all-in-one price.

Choose TouchChat with LAMP Words for Life if: your child has been evaluated for or diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, you have an SLP trained in LAMP, or your school district already uses the Tobii Dynavox ecosystem and can provide support.

Choose TouchChat with WordPower if: your child is a bit older (4 or 5), has some AAC experience already, and needs more grammatical depth than Proloquo2Go's Crescendo is offering.

The honest version is this: most toddlers will make progress with either app if the adults around them model it consistently and with genuine communicative intent. The app is a tool. What matters more is how often you use it together, whether your SLP is actively coaching you, and whether the vocabulary reflects what your specific child wants to say.

A $250 app that gets used ten times a day beats a $450 setup that feels overwhelming and gets put away. Pick the one your family will actually open.

Frequently asked questions

Is Proloquo2Go or TouchChat better for a 2-year-old?

For a 2-year-old with no prior AAC experience, Proloquo2Go is usually the easier starting point. Its default Crescendo vocabulary starts with just 4 buttons and grows gradually, which matches how a very young child begins to communicate. TouchChat with LAMP Words for Life is a strong option if there's a suspected motor speech issue, but it needs more consistent adult coaching to implement well.

Do these apps work for kids who aren't diagnosed with autism?

Yes. Both apps are tools for any child who can't meet their communication needs through speech alone, regardless of diagnosis. Speech delays, childhood apraxia of speech, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other conditions can all qualify a child for AAC. ASHA states there is no minimum diagnosis required to begin using AAC.

Will using an AAC app stop my child from learning to talk?

No. The American Academy of Pediatrics has specifically addressed this concern and concluded that AAC does not delay speech and may support spoken language development. Multiple studies show children who use AAC continue to develop verbal speech. Giving your child a way to communicate reduces frustration, which often increases motivation to communicate in all forms, including talking.

Can my child's school be required to pay for Proloquo2Go or TouchChat?

Possibly. Under IDEA, schools must provide assistive technology, including AAC, if it's required for a child to access their free appropriate public education. If an AAC app appears in a child's IEP as a required tool, the school must provide it at no cost to the family. Request an assistive technology evaluation in writing and document the response.

How long does it take a toddler to learn to use an AAC app?

There's no single timeline. Some children tap their first intentional symbol within days; others take months of consistent modeling before they use the device independently. Research on aided language stimulation suggests that adults modeling AAC use during natural routines, several times daily, is the most reliable way to speed up learning. Expecting results in less than three to six months of consistent use is usually unrealistic.

What's the difference between LAMP Words for Life and Proloquo2Go?

LAMP Words for Life (available in TouchChat) uses motor-planning theory: every word lives in one fixed location so the child builds muscle memory for it. Proloquo2Go's Crescendo uses core vocabulary theory: the most common words stay visible, and vocabulary grows in size as the child develops. LAMP suits children with motor speech difficulties; Crescendo suits a broader range of early AAC users.

Is there a free version of either app I can try?

AssistiveWare offers a free 30-day trial of Proloquo2Go through their website (not the App Store). TouchChat HD has a free lite version in the App Store with limited vocabulary, and some vocabulary packages like WordPower Lite are free. Both companies also have demo videos and simulated app experiences on their websites so you can explore before committing to a purchase.

Can insurance cover the cost of an AAC app for a toddler?

Many private insurance plans and Medicaid programs cover AAC apps when they are prescribed as medically necessary by a licensed SLP. Coverage varies widely by state and plan. Ask your SLP to write a letter of medical necessity that documents your child's communication needs and explains why the specific app is required. Your SLP's office may have experience working through this process.

What if my child has both a speech delay and autism?

Both apps are widely used with autistic children, and a lot of the clinical research on AAC has been conducted with autistic populations. An SLP familiar with autism spectrum communication can help you choose the right vocabulary system. The choice between apps matters less than consistent modeling and making sure the vocabulary reflects what your child actually wants to communicate about. See our overview of autism spectrum speech therapy for more context.

Do I need an SLP to set up these apps, or can I do it myself?

You can download and configure either app yourself, and both companies offer parent tutorials. But without SLP guidance, it's easy to set up vocabulary that doesn't match your child's needs or to model the device in ways that slow learning. At minimum, consult an SLP for the initial vocabulary setup and for guidance on how to model. Early intervention services can provide this for free for children under 3.

My child uses echolalia. Will an AAC app help?

Echolalia and AAC can coexist, and for many children with echolalia, having a device gives them a way to communicate intentionally rather than relying on scripted phrases. An SLP familiar with both echolalia and AAC can help design a vocabulary setup that works with your child's current communication patterns. See our piece on echolalia for more on what it means and how it connects to language development.

Are there alternatives to Proloquo2Go and TouchChat I should consider?

Yes. Snap Core First (Tobii Dynavox), Cough Drop, and Speak for Yourself are other respected AAC apps. For very young children or those just beginning, lower-tech options like GoTalk NOW or simple paper-based core boards are also legitimate starting points. The right choice depends on your child's motor and cognitive profile, your budget, and what your SLP recommends.

How many symbols should a toddler's AAC device start with?

Most early AAC specialists recommend starting with fewer than 12 symbols and prioritizing core vocabulary words the child will use across many situations. Proloquo2Go's Crescendo can start at 4 buttons. Research on aided language stimulation suggests that a small, well-chosen vocabulary used consistently works better than a large vocabulary the child and family find overwhelming.

Sources

1. AssistiveWare, Proloquo2Go product page: Proloquo2Go costs $249.99 as a one-time purchase and offers a free 30-day trial; vocabulary scales from 4 to 144 symbols
2. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), AAC Practice Portal: ASHA defines high-tech AAC, states there is no minimum cognitive or language level required before introducing AAC, and recommends team-based AAC decisions
3. U.S. Department of Education, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): IDEA Part C provides free early intervention evaluations and services for children under 3 with developmental delays; IDEA requires schools to provide assistive technology including AAC in IEPs at no cost to families
4. Boenisch, J. & Sutorius, C. (2016). Most important words in AAC core vocabulary. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.: A small set of high-frequency core words accounts for a large proportion of what children say; approximately 36 words cover roughly 50% of spoken language in typical development
5. Strand, E.A., Stoeckel, R., & Baas, B. (2006). Treatment of severe childhood apraxia of speech: A treatment efficacy study. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology.: LAMP and motor-planning AAC approaches are grounded in motor learning theory developed by researchers including Dr. Edythe Strand; DTTC principles support consistent motor patterns for children with apraxia
6. Binger, C. et al. (2012). Using AAC with young children. Augmentative and Alternative Communication.: Survey data from AAC professionals shows Proloquo2Go is among the most frequently recommended apps, with particular concentration in early childhood
7. Romski, M. & Sevcik, R.A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention: Myths and realities. Infants & Young Children.: Aided language stimulation (modeling AAC use by adults) is one of the most evidence-supported strategies for helping children learn to use AAC; core vocabulary instruction is broadly supported by research
8. Ganz, J.B. et al. (2018). AAC interventions in young children with autism: Systematic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.: A 2018 systematic review found consistent evidence of improved communication outcomes from AAC interventions in young children with autism across multiple study designs
9. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Autism clinical guidance: The AAP has stated that AAC does not delay speech development and may support it, directly contradicting the myth that giving a child a device stops them from talking
10. AssistiveWare, Aided Language Stimulation guide: Aided language stimulation involves adults modeling AAC use during natural routines; AssistiveWare publishes detailed parent guides on this practice