Guides
Every SabiKo article filed under Guides.
Core Words List for AAC: The Top 40 Ranked, Plus 100+ by Category
A complete core words reference for AAC: the 40 most frequently used words ranked by frequency research, plus 100+ core words organized by category for setting up a communication device.
How Many Words Should Be on an AAC Device?
Grid sizes, motor planning, and vocabulary growth. A practical guide to figuring out how many words belong on your child's AAC device.
AAC for Apraxia of Speech: A Parent's Guide
Learn how AAC supports children with apraxia of speech. Covers research, choosing the right system, and using AAC alongside speech therapy.
What Is AAC? A Simple Explanation for Families
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Learn what it means, how it works, and how it helps children who struggle with speech.
AAC for Down Syndrome: Getting Started
How AAC helps children with Down syndrome communicate. Covers the receptive-expressive gap, choosing vocabulary, and practical tips.
AAC for Autism: A Complete Getting Started Guide
A practical guide to AAC for autistic children. Learn how to choose the right system, introduce it effectively, and support communication growth.
AAC Modeling at Home: A Beginner's Guide for Parents
Modeling is the best way to help your child learn AAC. Learn how to start, what to expect, and how to keep going when progress feels slow.
Picture Communication Apps: How They Work
Learn how picture communication apps help nonverbal people communicate. Symbol types, board organization, key features, and top apps.
How to Teach Core Words in AAC: Where to Start, 8 Strategies, and 15 Activities
A complete guide to teaching core words on an AAC device: which 10 words to teach first, 8 evidence-based modeling strategies, 15 play-based activities, and how to know when to add more vocabulary.
Text to Speech Apps for Kids Who Can't Talk
How text-to-speech technology works in AAC apps. Neural voices, offline support, voice options, and why voice quality matters.
Transitioning from PECS to an AAC App
When and how to move from PECS to a tablet-based AAC app. Covers readiness signs, transition steps, and common mistakes.
AAC vs. Sign Language: Which Is Right for My Child?
Should your child use AAC apps, sign language, or both? Compare each approach and learn why many families find combining them works best.
Getting Started with AAC: A Parent's Guide
Everything you need to know about starting AAC with your child. What it is, why it works, and practical first steps you can take today.
How to Talk to Your Child's School About AAC
Learn your rights under IDEA, how to request AT evaluations, and scripts for talking to teachers about AAC support at school.
AAC Funding: Insurance, Medicaid, and School Options
Learn how to fund AAC devices through insurance, Medicaid, school districts, and other options. Step-by-step guide for families.
AAC for Toddlers: Is My Child Ready?
No child is too young for AAC. This guide busts the 'too young' myth with research and practical tips for toddlers ages 12 to 36 months.
AAC for Cerebral Palsy: Choosing the Right System
How to choose an AAC system for cerebral palsy. Motor access, vocabulary layout, positioning, and research.
What to Expect at Your First AAC Evaluation
A step-by-step walkthrough of your first AAC evaluation: who does it, what they assess, how to prepare, and what happens next.
How to Build a Communication Board from Scratch
Build a communication board step by step. Learn how to choose core words, pick grid sizes, select symbols, and design a layout your child will use.
AAC Goal Writing: Examples for IEPs and Therapy Plans
SMART goal examples for AAC users across skill levels, covering requesting, commenting, and social interaction with IEP-ready templates.
How to Train Classroom Aides on AAC in 30 Minutes
A 30-minute training plan for SLPs to get classroom aides confidently supporting AAC users. Covers modeling, common mistakes, and a cheat sheet.
AAC Assessment: What SLPs Should Look For
An AAC assessment framework for SLPs covering the Participation Model, feature matching, sensory considerations, and report writing.
AAC for Nonverbal Teenagers: It's Not Too Late
There is no age cutoff for AAC. Research shows teens benefit at any stage. Learn how to get started while respecting your teen's autonomy.
Aided Language Stimulation: A Practical Guide for Clinicians
Learn to implement aided language stimulation with research-backed strategies, dosage tips, partner training advice, and common pitfalls to avoid.
AAC and Bilingualism: Supporting Two Languages on One Device
Two languages won't confuse an AAC user. Learn how to set up a bilingual AAC system and why research supports multilingual communication.
AAC Glossary: Every Term You'll Hear, Explained
A plain-English glossary of 35+ AAC terms every parent, teacher, and therapist should know. Clear, jargon-free definitions from A to Z.
The Complete AAC Timeline: What to Expect Month by Month
A realistic month-by-month guide to your child's first year with AAC, covering what to do, expect, and which milestones to watch for.
AAC for Selective Mutism: When Words Won't Come
How AAC can help children with selective mutism communicate in high-anxiety settings. A practical guide for parents and therapists.
AAC for Developmental Delay: When to Start
Children with developmental delays don't need to wait for speech to start AAC. Here's what the research says and how to begin.
How to Use Visual Schedules for Daily Routines
Visual schedules reduce anxiety and build independence. Learn how to create them for morning, school, and bedtime routines.
How to Use Visual Timers for Transitions
Visual timers help kids with autism and communication needs handle transitions. Learn which types work best and how to pair them with AAC.
What Is a Communication Passport?
A communication passport helps others understand how your child communicates. Learn what to include, how to create one, and why it matters.
AAC and Self-Advocacy: Teaching Kids to Speak Up
Self-advocacy starts early. Learn how to teach AAC users to express needs, set boundaries, and speak up for themselves at every age.