Many of us may be a parent or carer to, or work with, a child who is unable to use spoken words to express their feelings, wants or need.
They might point, pull your hand, or become frustrated because they can’t explain what they need. For some children, spoken language simply isn’t the easiest way to communicate. And that’s where visual communication can make such a difference.
Using visual symbols for expressive communication is really about giving someone a voice. Pictures allow a child or young person to share what they want, need or feel when words are difficult or not accessible.
But when we support expressive communication, it’s important to remember that there is no single resource that works for everyone. What matters most is access to visual symbols.
If a child relies on pictures to communicate, those pictures need to be available whenever they are needed.
The challenge of having symbols available
In real life, this isn’t always straightforward.
We can’t always predict when a child will want to communicate or exactly what they will want to say. Carrying every possible symbol as individual picture cards simply isn’t practical.
Because of this, many families and practitioners choose a selection of symbols that are most likely to be needed. The goal is to make sure visual communication is always within reach.
Here are a few simple ways to keep visual symbols accessible throughout the day.
Ways to Make Visual Symbols Available
1. Visual Symbols on the Wall
By attaching a strip of Velcro to a wall, you can display a range of visual symbols in a specific environment. The person can take the symbol they need and hand it to you, making communication quick and straightforward.
A key ring allows visual symbols to be taken out and about with you, meaning the symbols are always close by. They can be attached to an adult, or carried by the child themselves, for example on a coat or bag.
3. The Communication Book from Create Visual Aids
Amongst many pages that support receptive communication, our very own Communication Book allows someone to express how they are feeling, which is just as important as expressing wants and needs. It also includes an “I want” section, supporting clear and purposeful communication.
4. A PECS Book
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) can be a helpful expressive communication method for some people. While opinions on PECS vary, it remains a portable way of supporting communication when you are out of the home.
5. The My Visuals Storage Book
Our storage book includes multiple Velcro pages, allowing you to carry a larger range of visual symbols. Symbols can be organised by category, making them easier to find when needed.
A communication board displays a selection of visual symbols on a poster, allowing someone to point to what they want to communicate. For example, a food communication board in the kitchen can support mealtime choices.
7. A Choosing Board from Create Visual Aids
Our choosing board gives a voice to those that are struggling to communicate their choice of activity. They can peel of the picture they choose and hand it to you, or just point to their choice. Of course it doesn't have to just be activities you display on the board - it could be food, clothes or something entirely different.
Supporting Expressive Communication Every Day
These are just some of the ways visual symbols can support expressive communication.
It’s important to remember that we would never take away a verbal child’s voice. For children who use pictures, visual communication is their voice.
When visual symbols are always available, children can communicate when they need to. This reduces frustration, supports independence, and helps them feel calmer and more confident.
Sometimes, having the right picture at the right moment is all a child needs to finally say what they’ve been trying to tell us all along.
