Imagine asking your child to put their shoes away before going outside. You repeat the instruction, point towards the shoe rack, and try explaining it another way, but your child still seems unsure about what to do next. Sometimes, a simple picture of shoes beside a shelf can make the instruction easier to understand.
Symbols are visual cues—such as pictures, photographs, simple drawings, or familiar icons—that help communicate information without relying only on spoken words. At home, they can help children understand routines, make choices, anticipate what happens next, and communicate their needs.
Symbols do not work in exactly the same way for every child. The most useful approach is to choose visuals that make sense to your child and use them consistently in everyday situations.
What Are Symbols, and How Can They Help?
A symbol represents an object, action, activity, person, or idea. It might be a photograph of your child’s toothbrush, a picture showing a glass of water, or a simple drawing representing bedtime.
Visual symbols can support understanding by giving children something concrete to look at while an adult speaks or demonstrates an activity.
For example, a parent might show a picture of a book before reading time or use a simple visual sequence to show the steps involved in getting ready for school. The child can look back at the pictures rather than having to remember a long spoken instruction.
Symbols may be especially useful when a child finds spoken instructions difficult to follow, benefits from predictable routines, or needs additional ways to express preferences. They can also support children who communicate using gestures, pictures, or other forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
The goal is not to replace meaningful interaction. It is to give the child another way to understand and participate.
Practical Ways to Use Symbols at Home
1. Create a visual routine
Morning and bedtime routines often involve several steps. Instead of repeating each instruction, create a small sequence of pictures showing what happens next.
A morning routine might include:
- Get dressed.
- Brush teeth.
- Eat breakfast.
- Put on shoes.
- Get ready to leave.
Use photographs of your own child’s belongings or simple pictures that are easy to recognise. Place the sequence somewhere convenient, such as near the bedroom or bathroom.
Point to the relevant picture when the activity begins. As your child becomes familiar with the routine, allow time for them to check the next picture independently.
2. Offer choices with pictures
Sometimes children know what they want but struggle to explain it verbally. Showing two or three options can make choosing easier.
For example, you could show pictures of an apple and a banana at snack time, or offer images of two activities the child can choose between.
Ask a simple question, show the pictures, and give your child time to respond by pointing, looking, gesturing, speaking, or using their usual communication method.
Make sure the choices are genuine. If you offer two options, be prepared to respect the child’s selection whenever it is practical and safe to do so.
3. Make everyday instructions more visual
Pictures can help clarify instructions that are repeated throughout the day.
A picture of a hand washing a cup might remind a child to put their cup in the sink. A picture of a toy box can indicate where toys belong after play.
Start with one instruction and one visual cue. Show the symbol while explaining the action, and demonstrate the task if needed. Avoid placing too many pictures together, as a crowded visual display may make the important information harder to find.
4. Help your child understand what happens next
Unexpected transitions can be difficult for some children. A simple visual sequence can show the order of activities, such as playtime followed by lunch and then a walk.
When a change is unavoidable, update the visual schedule and explain what is different. A symbol should help prepare the child, not become a promise that can never change.
Choosing Symbols That Make Sense to Your Child
You do not need to buy a specialised set of cards to begin. Everyday photographs can be a useful starting point.
Consider these guidelines:
- Use familiar images. A photograph of your child’s own cup may be easier to understand than a generic drawing.
- Keep visuals clear. Choose pictures with one obvious focus and limited background detail.
- Be consistent. Use the same picture for the same activity where possible.
- Pair pictures with words. Say the relevant word or short phrase while showing the symbol.
- Follow your child’s response. If a picture causes confusion, try a clearer image or demonstrate the activity directly.
Some children understand photographs more easily, while others respond well to drawings or established symbols. The best choice is the one your child understands and can use meaningfully.
Step-by-Step: Introduce One Symbol at a Time
If you are unsure where to start, choose one familiar routine rather than creating a complete visual system immediately.
Step 1: Identify a specific difficulty. Perhaps your child often struggles to understand when it is time to put toys away.
Step 2: Choose a suitable picture. Use a clear photograph of the toy box or the place where toys are stored.
Step 3: Pair the picture with a short instruction. Show the image and say, “Toys in the box.”
Step 4: Demonstrate if necessary. Put one toy away while pointing to the picture, then invite your child to try.
Step 5: Allow processing time. Avoid repeating the instruction rapidly or expecting an immediate response.
Step 6: Notice what helps. Observe whether the picture makes the instruction clearer, whether your child begins to use it independently, or whether another form of support is needed.
If the symbol is not helping, that does not mean your child is refusing to cooperate. The image may be unclear, the instruction may be too complex, or the task may require a different kind of assistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Symbols are most useful when they support communication rather than become another demand.
- Using too many pictures at once: Begin with a small number and add more only when the child can use them comfortably.
- Assuming the picture is self-explanatory: Teach what it represents by showing, naming, and using it in context.
- Expecting immediate understanding: Children may need repeated, meaningful opportunities to learn a symbol.
- Removing spoken language completely: Continue talking naturally and interacting with your child. Visuals can complement speech and other communication methods.
- Using pictures only to give instructions: Include symbols for requesting help, choosing activities, expressing preferences, and communicating other needs.
- Treating symbols as a test: If your child does not respond, model the action or adjust the support rather than repeatedly demanding an answer.
Remember that pictures are communication tools, not a measure of a child’s intelligence or willingness to learn.
When Might Additional Guidance Help?
If your child regularly struggles to understand everyday language, communicate needs, follow familiar routines, or use visual supports, a discussion with a qualified child-development professional may help clarify what type of support is appropriate.
A speech and language therapist may help explore communication needs and suitable visual or AAC strategies. Depending on the child’s overall needs, other professionals may also contribute.
If your child already uses an AAC system or communication plan, follow the guidance provided by the professionals involved. A consistent approach across home and other settings can help everyone understand how the child communicates.
Neurobloom Rehabilitation Centre provides child-development services, including speech therapy and occupational therapy. Families who would like guidance about communication or everyday participation can contact the centre to ask whether its available services are suitable for their child’s needs.
Start small and build from what works. One familiar picture used consistently during a daily routine may be more helpful than a large collection of visuals introduced all at once. With observation, patience, and opportunities for meaningful communication, symbols can become a practical part of family life.
