Communication cards are a simple but powerful way to help people express themselves when spoken communication is difficult or not possible. They’re often used by people who are non-verbal, autistic, or living with conditions like apraxia or dementia. These cards are a useful tool whether you’re supporting a loved one or creating resources for care or education.

In this guide, we’ll explore what to include on non-verbal communication cards, who they’re for, and how to make your own using Adobe Express.

What are communication cards?

Communication cards are used to support understanding and expression. Each card includes words, symbols, or images that help users share their needs, feelings, or responses when their verbal communication is limited. In most cases, communication cards are visual tools that make social interactions easier.

Communication cards are often used as part of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) systems and can be physical printable cards or digital slides used on a device or app.

They can be used independently or with support from carers or communication partners and are designed to reduce frustration and increase independence for people with additional communication needs.

Creating custom, printable non-verbal communication cards means you can tailor their content to suit the age, ability, and needs of the user.

Who uses communication cards and boards?

Communication picture cards can support people across many age groups and with various conditions and needs.

People with autism.

They can help people with autism express their needs, regulate their emotions and reduce the potential for sensory overwhelm.

People with apraxia or dyspraxia.

They offer alternatives when a person’s speech is disrupted or delayed.

Non-verbal individuals.

They can support everyday interactions and decisions for non-verbal people.

Young children.

They can help young children build early language and understanding of routines or behaviour.

People with dementia.

They can aid memory recall and are used to support care conversations.

People recovering from a stroke or brain injury.

They can help people regain their independence during speech recovery.

Individuals with learning disabilities.

They can improve accessibility and reduce anxiety in communication for people with learning disabilities.

Non-native English speakers.

They may also offer support and additional understanding in multi-language settings.

What to include on communication cards.

The design and content of printable communication cards should be clear, consistent, and tailored to the needs of the user. Here are some essential elements to include.

• Use symbols and pictures. Visual cues help with recognition and comprehension, especially for non-readers.
• Write words and phrases. Written text supports literacy or carer-led use of non-verbal communication cards.
• Consider activities. Daily tasks like brushing teeth, eating, or playtime help bring structure to routines.
• Add colours and emotions. Use expressive colours or emoji-style visuals to indicate moods.
• Think about choice options. Help users to express their preferences – for example, ‘yes’, ‘no’, and ‘maybe’.
• Use simple, legible fonts. Avoid decorative fonts to improve accessibility and readability.
• Pick a consistent layout. This keeps communication cards familiar and easy to scan quickly.

5 ideas for communication cards.

There are many communication card templates you can create, and each one supports different needs and situations – from expressing emotions to managing routines.

Here are some communication card ideas with example phrases, visual cues, and prompts designed to benefit different types of users.

1. Statements and demands.

Communication cards featuring statements and demands are often used by individuals who need to express a clear need or want. They can be used in school, home, or care environments, and should include bold text, clear icons, and consistent colours to help users understand them easily.

Key phrases include:

• I am hungry/thirsty
• I am tired
• I want to leave
• I want to talk to you

2. Emotions.

Communication cards with emotions can support emotional regulation and self-awareness in users. They may be helpful for autistic users or those with alexithymia. As well as key phrases about emotions, you can also use expressive faces and colour coding like red for anger or blue for sadness.

This can help carers respond supportively and allow users to name their feelings, even if they can’t read the words on the card.

Key phrases include:

• I am angry
• I am sad
• I am happy
• I am anxious
• I am overwhelmed

3. Responses.

Response cards help users take part in conversations or indicate their preferences. They’re useful in school, during interviews, or day-to-day interactions and can be combined with other card sets for quick referencing.

When designing communication cards for responses, consider using check marks, cross icons, pause symbols, and simple backgrounds to help users of all reading levels understand them.

Key phrases include:

• Yes
• No
• Maybe
• I don’t know
• I don’t understand
• I’m sorry

4. Daily routine prompts.

Prompts for daily routines can be great for children, autistic adults, or those with dementia. The visual structure of printable communication cards can make transitions easier and help reduce anxiety.

Include simple illustrations with a time of day, such as a clock icon, to help users understand when certain routines need to take place. These cards can also be arranged in sequence to create a daily schedule chart.

Key phrases include:

• Brush your teeth
• Brush your hair
• Go to bed
• Breakfast/lunch/dinner
• Go play

5. ‘I want’.

Communication cards starting with the phrase ‘I want’ are a great way to empower users to make requests or express their needs. They’re ideal for school or home use as they improve the autonomy of the user by helping them understand and share their desires. As a result, this can reduce challenging behaviour caused by unmet needs.

Key phrases include:

• I need the toilet
• I want to eat
• I want to play
• I want to draw/read
• I want attention/a hug/to talk
• I want my headphones

How can Adobe Express help you create clear communication cards?

Adobe Express is an easy tool for creating communication cards, whether for personal, educational, or professional use. Here are a few ways it can support your design process.

1. Explore hundreds of free templates.

Browse dozens of ready-made card templates to find one that might be suitable for your communication cards. Choose your base and customise with text, icons and more – or start from scratch for a more bespoke design.

2. Add your own text effects to show off your personality.

Choose fonts and styles that are accessible yet expressive, and apply colour-coded text effects to differentiate your categories. Remember that readability and accessibility are key for communication cards – if your users don’t understand your fonts or colours, they won’t be effective.

3. Print your own cards through Adobe Express.

When your communication cards are ready, download your high-res designs and print them with Adobe Express. Laminate them for extra durability and keep digital versions to use on a phone or tablet.

Create clear and concise communication cards with Adobe Express AI tools.

You don’t have to be a great designer to create effective communication cards. Our AI Template Generator can take the stress away from creating multiple printable communication cards from scratch. Just enter your prompt – keeping your audience, tone and purpose in mind – to get custom suggestions for your needs in minutes.

If the template isn’t quite right, you can quickly swap in icons, phrases, text effects and other design elements and tailor them to your users’ communication requirements.

Ideal for educators, parents, carers or healthcare professionals, try the template generator and instantly create communication cards that will resonate with users.

Try Adobe Express for free now

Good to know.

How do I use communication cards?

Communication cards can be used to meet an individual’s needs where communication is difficult or limited. Start with basic needs and emotions and show the user how to point or hand over a card when they need something. Then you can gradually expand the set as their confidence grows.

How many communication cards should I use?

Start with 5-10 core communication cards, then build up once the user is used to them. Introducing too many cards at once can be overwhelming, so focus on their everyday needs, feelings, and routines first.

What are the 4 types of communication?

The four main types of communication are verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual. Communication cards support non-verbal and visual communication, helping people express themselves clearly without speaking.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 5 GB of storage. See our pricing page for details and to compare plans.