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Free AAC Core Board Maker
Build a communication board for autism in a few minutes. Pick a grid size, fill each cell from the built-in symbol library or a photo of the real object, and color-code the words by type. When it is ready, download a print-ready page to laminate and use the same day. No sign-up to start building.
How to make a communication board for autism
- Choose a board size. Start with 12 cells for a first board, or 20 to 30 as your child learns more words.
- Tap a cell and pick a picture from the symbol library, or upload a photo of the real item your child wants.
- Add a short label such as “more” or “help”, and set the word type so the cell takes the right color.
- Keep the most-used words in the same spot so your child learns where to look for them.
- Download the print-ready page, print it, and laminate it or cover it with clear tape so it lasts.
Free printable communication board templates
Every board you build here is a free printable you can download and reprint whenever one wears out. The ready-made boards start with the words children reach for most, such as want, more, help, stop, eat, drink, and the feelings happy, sad, and mad, so you have a usable board on the first print. If you also want exchange cards your child can hand over, build a set with the PECS Card Maker and keep both in the same binder.
Core vocabulary and the Fitzgerald colors
Core vocabulary is the small set of high-frequency words, like go, stop, want, and more, that make up most of what anyone says. A core vocabulary board keeps those words in fixed, color-coded spots so your child can find them fast. New to all of this? The Spectrum Unlocked guide on AAC for beginners covers how to get started, and AAC versus PECS versus sign language walks through when each approach tends to fit. To show the order of the day rather than support communication, build a routine with the Visual Schedule Creator.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an AAC core board?
- A core board is a single page of high-frequency words a child uses all day, such as want, more, go, stop, help, yes, and no, laid out in fixed spots and color-coded by word type. The child points to the words to communicate. It is called a core board because it focuses on core vocabulary, the small set of words that make up most of what any of us say.
- How do I make a communication board for autism?
- Start from a ready-made board or a blank grid, then fill each cell with a picture from the symbol library or a photo of the real item, and add a short label. Keep the most-used words in the same spot so your child learns where to look. When the board is ready, download the print-ready page, print it, and laminate it so it survives daily handling.
- What do the colors on the board mean?
- The colors follow the Fitzgerald Key, a long-used way of grouping words by type so they are easier to find. People words are yellow, action words are green, describing words are blue, social words such as yes and no are pink, things are orange, and little words are white. You can switch to a black-and-white board if you would rather save ink or want higher contrast.
- How big should a core board be?
- This maker offers three sizes: a 12-cell board for a first board or a younger child, a 20-cell board for a growing vocabulary, and a 30-cell board for a child who is ready for more words. A smaller board is less overwhelming to start, and you can move up a size as your child gets comfortable pointing to the words they know.
- Is a core board the same as PECS?
- They are related but used differently. PECS cards are individual cards a child hands to another person to make a request. A core board keeps many words together on one page so the child points instead of handing over a card. Many families use both. You can make exchange cards with the Spectrum Unlocked PECS Card Maker and a core board here.
- Where can I find a free printable communication board?
- You can make one here for free. Choose a board size, fill it from the built-in symbol library or your own photos, and download a print-ready page. There is no sign-up to start building, and you can come back to edit the board or print a fresh copy whenever one wears out.