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Picture-based communication

Visual Support Ideas for Community Outings

Simple visual supports help your child anticipate, request, and recover. Print, laminate, or keep them on your phone.

01

Core visuals to consider

  • First / Then — preview the order of events
  • Wait — a calm cue for short pauses
  • Break — request a regulating pause
  • All Done — signal completion of an activity
  • Bathroom — request access to a restroom
  • Help — request adult support
  • Headphones — request noise reduction
  • Quiet Space — request a calmer location
02

Place-based visuals

  • Car — preview a transition home
  • Store — preview a shopping trip
  • Restaurant — preview waiting and eating
  • Doctor — preview an appointment
  • Home — signal safe return
03

How parents use them

  • Show First / Then before walking in
  • Pair Wait with a brief, predictable countdown
  • Honor a Break request quickly so it stays meaningful
  • Use All Done to close out a hard task with dignity
Disclaimer

Educational support only. The Parent Support Sign and related resources are not a replacement for individualized clinical care, behavior support planning, crisis intervention, medical advice, or emergency services. For urgent concerns, contact your child's clinical team or emergency services.

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