5 Common Myths About Shared Reading with AAC Users
Discover why traditional literacy rules often fail AAC users and how a neurodiversity-affirming approach can change everything. This post tackles 5 common myths about shared reading, including the truth about adapted books, testing vs. commenting, and what ‘successful’ communication actually looks like. Stop focusing on the rules and start focusing on engagement.
Shared Reading at Home: Simple Ways Parents Can Support AAC Without Pressure
Parenting an AAC user is a full plate. Shared reading shouldn’t be another “chore.” Discover how to fit literacy into the “in-between” moments of your day—like bath time and car rides—with zero pressure and 100% connection.
How Sensory Supports Can Make Shared Reading More Accessible and Engaging
Does your AAC user move around or close the book during shared reading? Before you assume they’re “checked out,” consider their sensory needs. Learn how to use sensory anchors and environmental shifts to keep your learner regulated and present.
What Makes a Book AAC-Friendly?
Are you searching for the “perfect” book for your AAC user? You might be overthinking it. Shared reading isn’t about finding specialized materials—it’s about how you see the books already on your shelf. In this post, I’m breaking down my “Three-Question Filter” to help you choose engaging, core-word-rich books that naturally invite communication. Plus, download my free quick-filter cheat sheet for your next trip to the library or book store!
What to Model During Shared Reading with AAC Users
Not sure what to model during shared reading with AAC users? This post shares simple, practical ideas for modeling core words, fringe words, comments, and natural language in ways that support connection and literacy.
How to Start Shared Reading with AAC Users: A Simple Place to Begin
If you’ve been wanting to start engaging in shared reading with an AAC user but aren't sure where to begin, you are not alone. For many parents, teachers, therapists, and support staff, shared reading can sound both wonderful and overwhelming. You may wonder: What...
Shared Reading with AAC Users: What It Is and Why It Matters
When people think about reading with a child, they often picture sitting close, looking at the pages together, listening quietly, answering questions, and making it through the whole book from beginning to end. But for many AAC users, reading together may not look...
Marianna and the Lesson I Still Carry
It’s 2001, my first year as a speech-language pathologist, and I’m meeting one of the students on my caseload. I can still see her smile, and I remember thinking that she might be the happiest kid I’ve ever met. I was the only SLP assigned to that school, so I knew...
Stop teaching “Letter of the Week” – do this instead!
Don’t teach “letter of the week”! I know that sounds like a bold statement but trust me when I say there is a better way that you can teach letters, the sounds they represent, and alphabetic knowledge, in general. The new way to teach alphabet knowledge skills is...
Repetition with Variety
Sometimes, when you are stuck thinking of something you can do in therapy, to highlight literacy, or simply in play, you may think you have to come up with something new but read on to find out why you don’t and why repeating the same things can be beneficial for all...