Communication Cards for School and Everyday Settings is a free printable PDF designed to support children and young people who find it hard to express their needs, feelings, or boundaries. It includes 96 clear visual communication cards that help children communicate without needing to find the right words in the moment.
This resource is especially helpful for neurodivergent children, including those with ASD, ADHD, autism, or other differences linked to communication, sensory processing, emotions, behaviour, or regulation. It supports children, kids, and young people who experience overwhelm, anxiety, emotional overload, sensory sensitivity, difficulties with focus, transitions, social situations, or verbal communication.
The cards are organised into clear themes, including emotional regulation, sensory needs, communication needs, learning support, movement and positioning, health and body needs, focus and thinking, autonomy and strengths, safety and immediate needs, consent and boundaries, repair and reflection, social and relational needs, and transitions and predictability. Each card uses simple language and clear visuals to help children explain what they are feeling, what they need, or what would help right now.
This printable resource can be used at school, at home, or in other everyday settings to reduce frustration, support emotional wellbeing, and prevent behaviour escalating due to unmet needs. It helps adults respond earlier and more effectively, supporting better relationships, emotional safety, and understanding of behaviour. This tool is suitable for parents, carers, foster carers, adoptive parents, teachers, teaching assistants, SEN staff, social workers, therapists, counsellors, and other professionals working with children and young people who need support with communication, emotions, and self regulation.
