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Essex SEND IASS
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Visual supports can be very helpful in helping children and young people with a range of additional support needs. They support communication and can be used in various environments and locations and in many situations.  

Visual supports can be printed and laminated on A4 size paper or made smaller and attached to a keyring which is accessible by the child or young person. Staff may carry a keyring as well to prompt and model use. 

Visual Supports are commonly used for: 

  • Timetables 
  • Schedules 
  • Choice boards
  • Helping a child communicate how they are feeling 
  • Health and safety communication 
  • Supporting social communication e.g. visual scripts 
  • Offering a range of coping strategies. 

Easter Multi Sensory Activities

10 multi Sensory Activities and ideas for children with SEND

Inclusive Communication Essex

An online resource for people with learning disabilities - things you can borrow, picture resources and much more

Visual Support from National Autistic Society

Visual supports are a communication tool that can be used with autistic people. They can be used in most situations, are adaptable and portable.

National Autistic Society - Social Stories

Social storiesTM and comic strip conversations can help autistic people develop greater social understanding and help them stay safe.

The Autism Page - Using Rewards

Information on Visual aids and token rewards

First and Then

This prompt helps a child to understand what is happening now and what is happening next

Getting Ready for School social Story

A simple story for learners who have some understanding of language

Halloween Picture Cards

If your child cannot remember last year’s Halloween or found Halloween distressing last year, it will be important that you prepare them for Halloween this year so that they know what to expect.

How I feel about School - Child

This picture tool will help your child share their views about school

School Stress Survey - Young Person

A visual tool to help a young person express how they feel about school

Our Timetable

Pointing cards

Visual picture cards to help with communication

Printable Resources from ELSA Support

A selection of free printable visual aids such as Autumn emotional wreath, Responsibility Tree, Looking after my mental health, worry ladder and many more

Printable Resources to help children with stress and pressure from Gozen

Join over 250,000 parents and educators receiving free weekly printables teaching skills of resilience to kids, teens, and grown-ups!

Relationship circles

To help a child think about the important people in their life

Take the Nature Challenge

from GoZen

Yellow Brick Road - Where do I want to get to?

Visual Timetable Information

How visual timetables can support children with speech, language and communication needs in the early years from Council for Disabled Children