Picture Cards: A Simple Tool That Actually Works for Communication

When you're working with someone who struggles to communicate verbally, you quickly realize how isolating that must feel. I've seen firsthand how picture cards can change that. They're not flashy, they're not complicated, but they work.

What We're Actually Talking About Here

Picture cards are exactly what they sound like: simple images that represent things, actions, or ideas. You might use them on a communication board, as flashcards, or as part of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). The image of a cup means "I want a drink." A picture of a toilet means "I need the bathroom." Simple as that.

The reason they're so effective is pretty straightforward. Many people with speech challenges process what they see better than what they hear. A picture of an apple is concrete. It's there. It doesn't disappear the moment you say the word.

Does This Actually Work? What the Research Says

Look, I'm not just making this up. The evidence is solid. Studies on PECS have shown real improvements in communication for kids with autism and other developmental delays. A review in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that visual supports help people communicate more spontaneously and feel more in control.

Bondy and Frost's research from 2001 showed something really important: kids who learned PECS didn't just respond when prompted. They started initiating communication on their own. They'd hand over a picture card to say "I want this" or "I feel upset" without anyone asking them first. For a child who's been locked in silence, that's huge.

How to Get Started (Without Overthinking It)

Pick pictures that matter. Don't start with abstract concepts. Start with what's relevant to the person's life right now. Their favorite foods, their family members, the park they like to visit. Make sure the images are clear and uncluttered.

Go slow. Introduce one card at a time. If you're working with a child who loves chocolate biscuits, start there. Show them the picture, say the word, and when they get a biscuit, reinforce that connection. Let them learn what that card means before you pile on ten more.

Be consistent. If the picture of a ball looks one way at school and different at home, you're making things harder. Use the same images across all settings. Repetition isn't boring here, it's essential.

Make them use it. This is where it gets real. Don't just show them cards. Create opportunities where they need to use them. If they want juice, they need to hand you the juice card. At first you might need to guide their hand, but pretty quickly most people get it: this card gets me what I want.

Build up gradually. Once they've got the basics down, you can get more sophisticated. Combine cards to make simple sentences. "Apple" plus "please" equals a polite request. "Toilet" plus "now" communicates urgency. You're building a language system, just a visual one.

Why This Matters

The changes I've seen people make with picture cards aren't just about communication, though that's obviously the main point.

They can finally tell you what they need. They don't have to rely on someone else guessing correctly. A child can say they're thirsty, they're in pain, they want their mum. That's independence.

The frustration drops dramatically. Think about how maddening it would be to have thoughts and needs trapped inside you with no way to get them out. Picture cards give people a voice, even if it's not a verbal one.

And honestly? The confidence that comes with being understood changes everything. Kids start engaging more socially. They're less isolated. They realize they can affect their world, and that's powerful.

The Bottom Line

Picture cards aren't a miracle cure, and they won't work the same way for everyone. But they're a proven, practical tool that can open up communication for people who struggle with speech. The research backs them up, and more importantly, they work in the real world.

If you're considering trying picture cards, customize them. Use photos of the actual people and objects in someone's life if that works better than generic images. Pay attention to what motivates them. Make it personal.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, picture cards might be the key that unlocks communication for someone you're working with. And that's worth trying.

References:

Bondy, A., & Frost, L. (2001). The Picture Exchange Communication System. Behavioral Interventions, 16(3), 146-153.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2006). Visual Supports: A Review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(3), 537-549.