Which Communication Cards Are Right for Your Child? A Practical Guide

Communication is about much more than spoken words. Every child deserves a way to express their feelings, make choices, ask for help and communicate their needs.

For some children, talking can be difficult, inconsistent or unavailable. This might include children who are autistic, have communication differences, experience selective mutism, or find speaking challenging during stressful situations.

Visual communication cards can offer another way to communicate, helping children express themselves without always needing to speak.

But with so many types available, how do you know which ones are right for your child?

This guide explains the different options and how to choose resources that suit your child's individual needs.

What are communication cards?

Communication cards are visual supports that use pictures, photographs, symbols or written words to represent needs, feelings, activities and choices.

A child might point to a picture, select a card, show it to someone, or use it alongside their existing communication methods.

For example, a card might communicate:

• I need a break.
• I'm feeling worried.
• I need help.
• I'm hungry or thirsty.
• I don't understand.
• I want to play.

Communication cards should support a child's ability to express themselves, not replace other communication methods or create pressure to speak.

1. Picture communication cards

Picture cards use illustrations or symbols to represent everyday needs and activities. They can be useful for children who respond well to visual information or benefit from consistent pictures across home and school.

They may help with:

• Making everyday choices
• Communicating basic needs
• Identifying feelings
• Asking for help
• Participating in routines

For children who enjoy colourful illustrations, KY Designx offers 130 Printable Communication Cards for Children. The pack provides a range of visual cards for everyday communication.

2. Real-photo communication cards

Some children find photographs easier to understand than illustrations because they show recognisable real-world objects and situations. Photographs can be particularly helpful when a child is learning to associate an image with a specific object, activity or request.

For example, a photograph of a drinking cup may be easier for one child to recognise than a simplified cup symbol. However, other children may prefer illustrations or familiar symbols. There isn't one visual style that works best for everyone.

They may help with:

• Recognising familiar objects
• Expressing everyday needs
• Making choices
• Supporting communication across different settings

KY Designx offers 109 Real Photo Communication Cards for Children, using photographs to represent everyday needs, feelings, choices and requests.

3. Communication boards

Unlike individual cards, communication boards display several choices together on one page. A child can point to the picture or message they need without searching through a larger collection of loose cards.

Communication boards can be useful at a desk, during daily routines or in places where individual cards might be difficult to manage.

For example, a simple board could include:

• Yes and no
• Help
• Toilet
• Drink
• Break
• Pain or discomfort
• Common feelings

Our Printable Communication Boards include visual cards arranged across multiple boards.

4. Communication cards for children who experience selective mutism

Some children can speak comfortably in certain places but find speaking extremely difficult in others. For a child experiencing selective mutism, communication cards can provide an alternative way to participate, make requests and express needs without immediate pressure to speak.

A child might use a card to ask for the toilet, request help with schoolwork or tell a trusted adult how they feel. The important thing is to respect the child's communication preferences and avoid turning the cards into another demand.

Our Printable Communication Cards for Selective Mutism provide visual options that may be useful in home, school and support settings. Visual supports can complement, but do not replace, individualised support from appropriate professionals.

Which type should you choose?

These are starting points, not rules. Children may benefit from more than one type.

Five tips for introducing communication cards

1. Start with meaningful messages. Choose a few cards that represent things your child genuinely wants or needs to communicate.
2. Keep them accessible. Cards are most useful when the child can reach them easily. Consider where they will be used and whether a board, folder or portable set is practical.
3. Model their use naturally. Adults can point to cards during everyday activities without expecting the child to copy immediately.
4. Respect all communication. Gestures, facial expressions, speech, writing, signing and communication technology can all be valuable. Cards should add options rather than restrict them.
5. Personalise whenever possible. Familiar photos, preferred activities and meaningful vocabulary can make communication supports more relevant.

If a child has significant communication difficulties, a speech and language therapist can help assess which communication approaches and tools are appropriate.

Are communication cards the same as PECS or AAC?

Not necessarily.

AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) is a broad term covering methods that support or replace speech, including gestures, communication boards, symbols and electronic communication devices.

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a specific, structured approach involving picture exchange and defined teaching stages. A printable set of picture cards is not automatically a complete PECS system.

The most appropriate communication approach depends on the individual and should support meaningful, self-directed communication.

Explore communication resources from KY Designx

At KY Designx, we create practical printable resources to support children, families, educators and people who experience communication difficulties. Our collections include illustrated communication cards, real-photo options, communication boards and specialist resources for different settings.

If you're not sure where to begin, explore our Free Visual Communication Cards Starter Set.

You can also browse the Communication & AAC collection to compare the available resources.

Every child deserves a way to be heard — whether they communicate using speech, pictures, gestures, technology or a combination of methods.

This article provides general educational information. It does not replace personalised assessment or advice from a speech and language therapist or other suitably qualified professional.