Visual resources to help an autistic child learn and communicate

Visual resources can help autistic children understand what is going on around them, communicate with others or make choices. They can be more consistent and easier to understand than spoken words.

Visual resources can be objects, gestures, photos, written checklists and anything else that helps to back up verbal communication.

We have a large number of resources for parents to use at home and schools.

Visuals can help your child at home and when they’re out and about. Print them and then laminate or use sticky back plastic so they last longer.

Now and Next board

Using a visual timetable such as a Now and Next Board can help your child understand what is expected of them or what they will be doing.

It can help reduce anxiety and help a child to remember what is happening while adding routine and structure to the day. It can also increase their independence.

Download the Now and Next timetables

The timetable should be portable so you can use it outside of your home. It also means that when you want to tell your child what is happening, you don’t have to rely on using lots of language.

Place the symbol of what your child is expected to do now in the now column and what they’re expected to do next in the next column.
You can help your child remove the symbols and move them across the board as you tell them what is happening.

There are visuals for activities at home, in nurseries and at school.

Communication

Children can be supported to point to or exchange visuals in order to get their needs met and their message across.

There are lots of visuals for different activities and an example of a choosing board, where you might place some options for the child to choose from).

Find resources to use at home or in schools or nurseries.