All Reviews & Guides

Honest, classroom-tested reviews of the tools educators rely on every day.

AAC Implementation in Schools: Getting Started the Right Way

A practical guide to implementing AAC in schools, covering evaluation, system selection, staff training, and strategies for embedding augmentative communication across the school day.

Sarah Mitchell2026-03-12

AAC & Visual Supports

Free Visual Schedule Templates for Autism Classrooms

Practical guide to finding and customizing free visual schedule templates for autism classrooms. Includes template sources, customization tips, and recommendations from a school-based SLP.

Sarah Mitchell2026-03-05

AAC & Visual Supports

Boardmaker Alternatives: What Schools Are Switching To in 2026

A practical comparison of Boardmaker alternatives for schools in 2026, including Glint, LessonPix, SymbolStix, and free options. Written by a school SLP who's used them all.

Sarah Mitchell2026-03-01

Guides

How to Set Up Visual Schedules That Students Actually Use

A practical, step-by-step guide to creating visual schedules that work in real classrooms, from picking the right transition to getting the whole team on board.

Sarah Mitchell2026-02-28

AAC & Visual Supports

Core Vocabulary for AAC: Why 50 Words Matter More Than 500

An evidence-based guide to core vocabulary in AAC, covering why core words matter more than large symbol sets, which words to teach first, and practical modeling strategies for SLPs and teachers.

Sarah Mitchell2026-02-25

AAC & Visual Supports

How to Build a Communication Board for Non-Verbal Students

Step-by-step guide to creating effective communication boards for non-verbal students. Covers core words, vocabulary selection, board types, and common mistakes to avoid.

Sarah Mitchell2026-02-20

EdTech

5 Classroom Timer Apps That Don't Suck

Practical picks for classroom timer apps that are actually useful, with no ads, no clutter, and no sign-up walls.

Sarah Mitchell2026-02-12

Guides

Visual Supports for ASD: A Complete Teacher's Guide

Comprehensive guide to visual supports for students with autism, covering schedules, social stories, choice boards, token boards, visual timers, and implementation strategies.

Sarah Mitchell2026-02-10

AAC & Visual Supports

My First ATIA Conference: Overwhelmed in the Best Way

A quick recap of my experience at the 2026 ATIA conference in Orlando. First time attending, and I already can't wait to go back.

Sarah Mitchell2026-02-06

AAC & Visual Supports

7 AAC Myths That Are Holding Your Students Back

Debunking the 7 most persistent myths about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), with research evidence and practical takeaways for SLPs, teachers, and families.

Sarah Mitchell2026-01-20

AAC & Visual Supports

Best AAC Visual Support Tools for Schools in 2026

A hands-on comparison of the top AAC visual support tools for SLPs, special ed teachers, and district admins, including Glint, Boardmaker, LessonPix, and SymbolStix.

Sarah Mitchell2026-01-15

Special Education

The Best IEP Goal Tracking Tools for 2026

A practical comparison of the best IEP goal tracking tools for special education teachers and SLPs, including Goalbook, Illuminate, ClassroomIQ, and free DIY options.

Sarah Mitchell2026-01-04

AAC & Visual Supports

Writing Social Stories That Actually Change Behavior

A practical guide to writing social stories that work, based on Carol Gray's criteria, real classroom examples, and 12 years of what I've learned the hard way.

Sarah Mitchell2025-12-18

EdTech

Best Chromebook Apps for Special Education Classrooms

The best Chromebook apps and web tools for special education, covering AAC, reading, writing, math, executive function, and behavior support.

Sarah Mitchell2025-12-03