Photographic Communication Cards
A calm, concrete and consistent way to communicate - without pressure.
“School uses a ‘Now and Next’ system, but the cards aren’t photographic. Because he interprets things so literally, he didn’t understand what the symbols meant and would become stuck in a loop trying to work them out. When we stopped and reflected, it was clear just how exhausting that thinking process was for him.
The photographic cards are simple, clear and easy to use. We gave school a pack and keep another with us wherever we go. They’ve been a game changer!”
These 30 double-sided Photographic Communication Cards act as a practical external brain. They offer a calm, concrete and consistent way for a child / young person / adult to show what they need or how they feel when spoken language is difficult, delayed or unavailable.
Verbal ability does not always reflect capacity.
Working memory, processing speed, executive load, sensory demands, sleep debt and stress can all affect whether words or previously learned skills are available in the moment.
A familiar photograph provides something clear to notice, choose, hold or hand over.
“Transitions used to involve lots of repeated instructions. Now we can show one clear card, pause and give processing time. There is less to hold in mind, and everyone can see what is happening next.”
Why a FASD-informed approach helps:
Reduces executive load: offers an external-brain prompt without relying only on working memory, processing speed or spoken words.
Keeps things concrete: clear photographs scaffold choices, everyday needs, routines and adaptive functioning.
Supports regulation: familiar visual cues can reduce uncertainty and allostatic load, helping adults offer co-regulation before the person reaches their threshold.
Builds consistency: the same cards can be used across home, school, care and community settings, supporting re-teaching, sporadic mastery and easier set-shifting.
Respects all communication: a neurobehavioural approach recognises behaviour and somatic signals as communication. It encourages curiosity, declarative language and environmental accommodation rather than judgement.
Simple to use at home, school and in the community:
Keep the cards visible and within easy reach. Offer one clear visual prompt at a time, use declarative language, pause and allow extra processing time. Instead of repeated questions or instructions, try a neutral observation such as, “The shoes are by the door,” while showing the relevant card. There is no pressure to answer or speak.
Use the cards alongside Objects of Reference so that communication remains concrete and familiar. A cup can sit with the drink card, a snack bowl with the mealtime card, a towel with the bath or shower card, and a familiar bag with the going-out card.
The object and photograph together establish meaning; as recognition grows, the photograph can carry more of the message.
Use the cards proactively before and during routines and transitions. A simple Now and Next pairing makes sequence visible: “Now, getting dressed. Next, the park.” Cards can also provide a kinaesthetic cue when the person selects, holds or hands one over.
On days when capacity is reduced, return to familiar prompts and re-teach without blame. The aim is low-arousal scaffolding that makes communication safer, easier and more successful - not compliance.
What is included:
30 double-sided picture communication cards
Realistic, easy-to-recognise photographs for essential daily needs and feelings
Durable laminated finish for frequent use
Each card measures 75 × 75 mm
Removable cards for use on a Now and Next board
Silicone loop key ring for quick access and easy portability
Feedback from family and school testers....
“These cards take the pressure off. They give us a clear, consistent way of supporting without demand at home and in the classroom, this made transitions feel more manageable.”
"You think its not going tor work, but it really does! We used to struggle to get out the door where everything is much quieter as we give the card cue and say 5 minutes, and then it sort if happens without much fuss as he knows whats coming next"
“The cards help us remember that being able to do something yesterday does not always mean it is available today.”
A small tool for everyday moments:
Keep the pack in the car or a bag, place individual cards on the fridge or beside the sink, use one to give advance notice of shopping, the park or swimming, take a card to a hospital appointment, or share a consistent set with a teaching assistant. This discreet, pocket-sized resource adds practical visual scaffolding wherever it is needed.
Every pack sold supports our work to raise awareness of FASD and encourage the understanding, compassion and FASD-informed support that children and families deserve.
Make needs, feelings and what happens next easier to share - without pressure.