How to Feel Good Using an AAC Core Board (No Experience Needed)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone

If you’ve been hearing the term AAC core board lately and feeling curious—but also a little overwhelmed—you’re not alone. For many parents, a core board can look like one more therapy tool you’re supposed to figure out… on top of everything else you’re already juggling.

And if you’ve ever looked at one and thought, How am I supposed to use this?—I get it.

I used to feel intimidated by core boards too—until I learned this

A few years ago, a core board honestly felt like a foreign language with so many different symbols and words on one page. I felt overwhelmed just looking at it.

I hadn’t had much training in AAC yet, and I truly didn’t know what I was supposed to do with it.

Then an AAC specialist explained it in a way that finally made sense:

A core board isn’t something separate from how you talk and play with a child. It’s simply a visual support for the words you’re already trying to teach your child as you interact with them naturally.

Here’s the good news: once you have the right core board and you understand how to use it, it might actually surprise you how simple it can feel.

In this post, you’ll learn what an AAC core board is, who it’s for, and three simple ways to start using one at home—even if you’re brand new to AAC.

What is an AAC core board?

A simple definition (without the jargon)

An AAC core board is a communication board that includes visual symbols that represent the most commonly used words in the English language. 

These words are called core words, and they’re powerful because they can be used in almost any situation—not just one activity.

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. That sounds intimidating, but it simply means:

We’re giving a child more than one way to communicate.

AAC can include gestures, sign language, pointing, picture symbols, or different types of speech-generating devices. A printable core board is considered “low-tech AAC,” and it can be an incredibly helpful place to start—especially if you’re new to this.

For more on AAC, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has a dedicated page that goes through the variety of techniques and tools AAC can encompass to help the individual express thoughts, wants and needs, feelings, and ideas.

The power of core words in everyday life

Core words are the words kids use all day long to express what they think, feel, and need.

They’re words like: go, stop, help, more, all done, want, not, in, out, open, my, you, and turn.

These aren’t just “speech therapy words.” They’re real-life words that help your child:

• request (“more,” “want”)

• protest (“no,” “stop,” “all done”)

• ask for help (“help”)

• take turns (“my,” “turn”)

• comment (“go,” “in,” “out”)

You may also hear the term fringe vocabulary. Fringe words are the more specific words that go along with a specific routine or activity—like favorite foods, things to do at the playground, and words related to getting dressed.

Fringe vocabulary is important too, but here’s the simple way to think about it:

Core words = words your child can use everywhere.
Fringe words = words that change depending on the activity.

That’s why most AAC systems start with a strong set of core words first. For a more in-depth look at core words and why it's so important to prioritize them within speech therapy, you can check out this post: What are core words? How simple but powerful words actually spark new growth.

Who is a core board for?

Speech delays, autism, and language disorders

A core board for communication can be helpful for many different children, because all children benefit from visual support.

A core board is often a great fit for children who:

• have a speech delay

• have a receptive and/or expressive language disorder

• have a motor speech disorder

• get frustrated when they can’t communicate

• are on the autism spectrum

Core boards can also be tremendously helpful for children who do talk, but who aren’t yet using language in a functional, flexible way. For example, a child might be able to label a lot of nouns (names of characters, foods, animals, people, etc.) but still struggle to say words like “help,” “open,” “down,” or “my turn.”

That’s where core words shine. They help kids communicate for real life—not just for labeling.

For many families, a core board, autism supports, and speech therapy strategies all work together to help a child communicate more successfully at home and in the community.

Myth-buster — AAC doesn’t hinder speech (it supports it)

One of the most common worries I hear from parents is:

“If I give my child an AAC core board, will it keep them from talking?”

It’s a fair question—and the good news is that research has been reassuring on this.

Evidence reviews and professional resources have consistently found that AAC use does not prevent speech development. In many cases, AAC can actually support speech by reducing frustration, increasing communication opportunities, and giving a child a way to express themselves while spoken language is still developing.

In other words: a core board doesn’t slow down the development of speech. It supports communication.

And when communication becomes easier and less stressful, children often have more opportunities (and motivation) to use language—spoken or otherwise.

If you're interested in reading more about it, this post from PrAACtical AAC discusses widespread AAC myths and provides context for why those myths (including the idea that AAC stops speech) are outdated and unhelpful.

How to start using a core board at home (3 simple steps)

If you’ve been staring at a core board thinking, Okay… now what? this section is for you.

You don’t need to model every word on the board. You just need a simple starting point.

Step 1 — Start small with a few high-impact core words

Instead of trying to use everything at once, start with just a small set of core words that you can model all day long during everyday routines.

Bonus tip: teach opposite pairs when you can.

Core words like in/out, on/off, and go/stop are often easier for kids to learn because they can really grasp the meaning of the words. They can master using these words when there is such a clear difference between them.

Want to know the perfect set of beginner words to start with, so you don’t have to guess or waste your time? You can grab my free Top 10 Core Words for AAC Starter Pack for fail proof activity and toy ideas, printable core symbols, and a curated song list.

Step 2 — Teach first (model more than you ask)

It’s so tempting to try to “get” words by asking lots of questions—but language grows faster and more naturally when children hear words modeled with your comments.

So instead of quizzing, focus on modeling one or two core words during the activity you’re already doing by commenting on what you or your child is doing.

One important note: when you’re using a core board, you don’t need to physically move your child’s hand to point to words. You’ll get much better results by modeling the words yourself and letting your child explore the board in their own way. This will help them to learn to initiate— which is a big priority.

Step 3 — Use it during routines you already do

The easiest way to use a core board at home is to build it into routines you already have—like meals, play, bath time, getting dressed, and transitions.

Music time is one of the easiest places to start

Children’s songs naturally repeat the same lyrics over and over, and some songs naturally contain core words. Music can make core language easier for kids to process, anticipate, and eventually imitate. 

That's why using the joyful nature of music to teach core vocab is such a no-brainer. I wrote an article on how to target core words within music; you can check it out here.

The repetition, prosody, and motivating nature of music is worth its weight in gold for children with language delays and disorders. For a more in-depth look at all of the research-backed reasons to include music in speech therapy, check out this article: Music for Speech Therapy: 5 Easy Ways to Accomplish Speech Success at Home.

This is especially the case for children on the autism spectrum, who often have heightened musical ability. For more on using music to support autistic children, you can check out this article: Autism Music Therapy: 5 Reasons to Embrace This Promising Method.

Because music is such a catalyst for speech and language, I build nearly every First Words Dance Party® song around core vocabulary, so you can model these power words while you sing.

These songs were made with both kids and grown-ups in mind. They’re just as enjoyable for adults as they are for children, with catchy melodies, dance-y rhythms, and lyrics that reflect real-life routines and interactions.

Every single song was created to target specific core words:

• “The Cookie Song” targets the words yes, no, eat, please, and I

• “On and Off” (you guessed it!) highlights on, off, all done, turn, put, it

• “What I Want” targets I, want, on, go, open, eat, and please

• “Open” focuses on I, need, help, open, and please

Whether your child is starting to imitate, signing, or using AAC, these songs give you a playful, meaningful way to support their communication.

You can stream First Words Dance Party® on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and anywhere else you get your music.

You can find more core word lyrics videos on my YouTube channel here.

The Top 10 Core Words for AAC Success Starter Pack includes a curated song list that models the hands-down best core words for beginners—so you can start using your core board with music without wondering where to start.

Printable core board PDF tips

Why some boards feel overwhelming

If you’ve ever downloaded a free core board PDF and immediately thought, This is way too much, you’re not alone.

Some printable core boards are packed with tiny symbols, lots of words, and layouts that are hard to navigate—especially if you’re brand new to AAC.

And when a board feels overwhelming, most parents do the most understandable thing in the world:

They don’t use it.

That’s not because they’re doing something wrong. It’s because we can’t take in any more information when we are overwhelmed. In the same way that a soaking wet sponge can’t take in more water, a tired, overwhelmed mama can’t take on an overwhelming AAC system unless it’s designed just for beginners. If this sounds about right, read on for some solutions.

Why a 3-step system makes starting easier

One of the simplest ways to make an AAC core board feel doable is to use a system that grows with you.

Instead of starting with a full board right away, a 3-step system lets you begin with a simpler layout and expand over time—without having to “start over” later.

This makes it easier to:

• build a real habit of modeling

• keep AAC feeling manageable

• and give your child consistent access to core words as their communication grows

Free download: Top 10 Core Words for AAC Success Starter Pack

A done-for-you starting point you can use today

If you’ve been thinking, I love the idea of using a core board… but I don’t know where to begin, this is for you.

I created a free printable to make starting with an AAC core board feel simple and doable—even if you’re brand new to AAC.

Inside, you’ll get:

• a beginner-friendly starter word list (so you’re not guessing)

• simple toy and activity ideas to help you model those words during everyday routines

• a curated song list that naturally models the Top 10 core words (because music makes AAC easier to stick with)

Grab the Coreboard Starter Set to Ease in with Confidence

If just looking at AAC has felt like “too much” in the past, this starter set makes it possible to ease in with confidence.

The Coreboard Starter Set is a three-step, printable 8x8 coreboard designed to give your child the visual support they need to process language and use new words— while helping you to feel confident modeling those words during real life.

With a three step system that makes AAC easy, you'll have exactly what you need to get started right away.

With a three-step, gradual approach, these core boards:

• reduce overwhelm for beginners

• give your child visual support for understanding and using language

• helps you feel confident using an AAC core board across your child’s day.

Final encouragement

Small steps count

If AAC feels new to you, it’s completely normal to feel lost at first.

But using an AAC core board doesn’t require perfection. It just requires consistency, patience, and the willingness to model language in small, everyday moments.

Every time you point to a word as you say it, you’re supporting your child’s communication.

And while this may feel a bit awkward at first, the best things don’t come from comfort zones. With the right tools and encouragement, you’ve got this.

FAQ: AAC Core Boards for Beginners

Should I take my child’s hand to help them point to the symbols?

Generally speaking, no.

When we physically move a child’s hand to point, it can take away their sense of autonomy and can make AAC feel stressful instead of empowering.

A better approach is to model the words yourself (pointing to the symbols as you say them) and to let your child explore the board in their own way. Over time, many children begin to point, gesture, or communicate more intentionally because they’ve seen the words modeled in real life—without pressure.

Do core boards help speech?

Yes! A core board can support communication while spoken language is still developing.

It gives your child a way to express needs, choices, and ideas right now—while you continue modeling spoken language at the same time. Research shows AAC does not prevent speech and may support language growth for many children.

What are opposite pairs, and why do they help?

Opposite pairs are sets of core words that show a clear contrast in meaning—like go/stop, in/out, and on/off.

Opposites are often easier for children to learn because they can better understand the difference between the two meanings.

Where can I find a core board printable?

Look no further! The Top 10 Core Words for AAC Success Starter Kit includes core word symbols for the 10 best words for beginners, so you can get started right away for free. 

Is a core board helpful for autism?

Yes! A core board can be a powerful support for autistic children, especially when it’s introduced slowly and modeled in everyday routines.

Many autistic children benefit from visual support and predictable routines. An AAC core board gives consistent access to exact words that a child needs to communicate with others in their day to day interactions.