Visual supports

What are visual supports?

Visual supports are ways of sharing information using something your child can see.

They can use photos, pictures, symbols, words or even real objects. They can be very simple and you do not need special equipment to get started.

For example, you could use two pictures to show your child what they are doing now and what they will do next. You could also use pictures to show the steps in getting dressed or create a visual timetable for the day.

Visual supports can be used at home, at school or when you are out and about.

How can visual supports help?

Some children find it easier to understand information when they can see it, rather than only hearing it.

This can be especially helpful for autistic and other neurodivergent children. Visual information stays in front of your child, giving them more time to look at it and understand it.

Visual supports can help your child:

• understand what is happening now and what will happen next
• follow a routine
• understand the steps in a task
• prepare for something new or a change
• make choices
• understand instructions
• share how they are feeling
• do more things independently

Every child is different. You may need to try different types of visual support to find what works for your child.

What types of visual support can I use?

There are lots of different types of visual support. You do not need to use them all.

Now and next boards

A now and next board shows your child what they are doing now and what will happen afterwards.

For example:

Now: Brush teeth

Next: Story

Keeping the information simple can make it easier to understand.

Visual timetables

A visual timetable uses pictures, symbols or words to show what will happen during part or all of the day.

You could create one for getting ready for school, a day at home or a trip somewhere new.

Step by step guides

Breaking a task into smaller steps can make it easier to follow.

You could use pictures to show the steps for getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing a school bag or making a snack.

Choice boards

Pictures and symbols can give your child another way to see and make choices.

For example, you could show pictures of two activities, foods or places and let your child show you which they would prefer.

Feeling and emotions

Pictures, symbols and scales can help some children recognise and share how they are feeling.

This could be a set of faces, an emotions chart or a simple scale that your child can point to.

Getting started

Visual supports do not need to look perfect.

You could start with photos taken on your phone, pictures you already have, simple drawings or words.

Try to keep things clear and simple. Use pictures and words your child understands and give them time to look at the information.

Where you can, involve your child in choosing the pictures, words or symbols you use.

Start with one small thing that could help your family. You can always add more later.

Create your own visual supports

Free digital tools such as Canva can be used to create visual timetables, charts, routines and other visual supports.

Our Learning Zone has a step-by-step guide showing you how to create a star chart using Canva. You can change the colours, pictures and design to make it personal to your child.

Learn how to create a star chart with Canva

We are also developing more resources to help families create their own visual supports. Check back soon for more.

Going somewhere new?

You do not always need to make visual supports yourself.

Many organisations have created guides and other resources to help disabled and neurodivergent visitors know what to expect.

If you are planning a day out or a journey, check the organisation’s website before you go. Look for sections called accessibility, access, additional needs or relaxed visits.

You may find:

• photos of the building or venue
• pictures of people your child may meet
• a guide showing what will happen
• information about sights, sounds or busy areas
• maps and virtual tours
• information about quiet spaces
• guides for specific events or activities

Check before you visit

Visual support may be available in more places than you expect.

Museums, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, visitor attractions, leisure centres, airports and other places may have resources to help you prepare.

If you cannot find anything on their website, you could contact the organisation and ask:

Do you have a visual guide, access guide or photos that I can use to help my child prepare for our visit?

Find free visual support resources

You do not have to make everything yourself. There are free resources you can download and try with your child.

The National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society has information about visual supports and how they can help autistic children and young people.

Learn more about visual supports

Free visual resources from Twinkl

Twinkl has free printable resources that you can use at home. 

Their Visual Timetable for Home includes pictures of familiar activities and places. You can choose the pictures that are useful for your child and use them to show what will happen during their day.

Download a free visual timetable for home

You can also try a simple Now and Next board. This can be useful if showing a whole day feels like too much information. It lets you show just what is happening now and what will happen next.

Download free Now and Next cards

Find what works for your child

There is no single type of visual support that works for every child.

Start with something your child already knows and one small thing you would like to make easier. This could be getting ready in the morning, knowing what happens after school or preparing to visit somewhere new.

You can then build from there as you find out what works best for your child and family.