Communication Boards: A Practical Guide to Visual Communication Tools That Truly Support Understanding
Communication boards are one of the most effective visual communication tools available to support understanding, choice-making and daily routines especially for children and adults who benefit from visual support rather than spoken language alone.
At SEN Talk Tags, communication boards were not designed in theory they were created out of real-life need. What started as a way to support understanding at home has grown into a carefully developed range of visual boards, custom communication boards, and practical tools used by families, schools and professionals across the UK.
This guide explains what communication boards are, how visual boards support non-verbal communication, and how to choose the right visual communication tool for your setting.
What Is a Communication Board?
A communication board is a visual support that uses symbols, words or images to help someone express needs, choices, feelings or routines.
Rather than relying on speech, communication boards:
Reduce pressure to talk
Support processing time
Provide clarity and predictability
Encourage independence and confidence
Communication boards are widely used across homes, nurseries, schools and therapy settings as part of a total communication approach.
You can explore our full range of communication boards here:
https://sentalktags.co.uk/collections/communication-boards
Why Visual Communication Tools Matter
Visual communication tools work because visual information is often processed faster and retained longer than spoken language.
For many individuals, spoken words can:
Feel overwhelming
Be difficult to process quickly
Create anxiety when expectations are unclear
Visual boards remove uncertainty by making communication clear, consistent and accessible.
This is why visual communication tools are commonly recommended by:
SEN teachers and teaching assistants
Speech & Language Therapists
Early years professionals
Parents supporting communication at home
Types of Visual Boards and How They’re Used
Not all communication boards serve the same purpose. Choosing the right visual board depends on what support is needed in that moment.
1. Communication Boards for Choice & Expression
These boards allow individuals to:
Make choices
Express needs
Communicate wants without speech
They’re ideal for everyday situations such as eating, playtime, or requesting help.
Our communication boards are designed to be clear, uncluttered and adaptable for different environments.
2. Custom Visual Boards for Individual Needs
A custom visual board is often the most effective option when:
Generic symbols don’t fully meet someone’s needs
Specific routines or language are required
A consistent approach is needed across home and school
Custom boards help create a shared communication system that works everywhere.
View our Custom Communication Board here:
https://sentalktags.co.uk/products/custom-communication-board
Each board is personalised to reflect:
Familiar language
Relevant routines
Individual preferences
3. Visual Schedule Boards for Daily Routines
Routine-based visual boards help reduce anxiety by answering the question:
“What’s happening next?”
A daily routine visual schedule:
Supports transitions
Builds predictability
Encourages independence
Our Daily Routine Visual Schedule Board supports structure without rigidity:
https://sentalktags.co.uk/products/pre-order-visual-schedule-board-with-20-velcro-tags-to-support-routines-copy
Visual schedules are especially helpful in:
Early years settings
SEN classrooms
Busy family homes
4. Now and Next Boards for Immediate Understanding
A Now and Next board is a simple but powerful visual communication tool that focuses on the present moment.
It:
Reduces overwhelm
Supports transitions
Keeps expectations clear and manageable
Explore our Now and Next Board here:
https://sentalktags.co.uk/products/now-and-next-board
This type of board is often recommended as a first step into using visual supports.
How Communication Boards Support Non-Verbal Communication
Communication boards are designed to support non-verbal communication, not replace speech, but support understanding and expression in a way that feels safe and accessible.
They help by:
Removing pressure to speak
Providing consistent visual cues
Supporting emotional regulation
Encouraging autonomy and choice
Over time, many families and professionals find that communication boards:
Increase confidence
Reduce frustration
Improve engagement and understanding
Why SEN Talk Tags Visual Boards Are Different
Unlike mass-produced resources, SEN Talk Tags are:
Designed from lived experience
Created with real routines in mind
Adaptable as needs change
Our visual communication tools are:
Practical, not overwhelming
Clear and intentionally designed
Suitable for both home and professional settings
Every board is created to support real communication, not just tick a box.
Choosing the Right Communication Board
When selecting a communication board, consider:
What needs to be communicated?
Where will the board be used?
Does it need to grow or adapt over time?
Many families start with:
A Now and Next board
Then introduce a visual schedule
And later add a custom visual board
This layered approach helps build confidence gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Boards
Are communication boards only used in schools?
No. Communication boards are widely used at home, in early years settings, therapy environments and community spaces.
Can visual boards be used alongside speech?
Yes. Visual communication tools support understanding and do not prevent speech development.
Do communication boards work for older children?
Absolutely. Visual boards are effective for all ages when matched to the individual’s needs.
Supporting Communication with Confidence
Communication boards are more than visual aids, they are tools that support understanding, reduce anxiety and empower individuals to communicate in ways that work for them.
At SEN Talk Tags, our visual boards are designed to fit into real life, not just ideal scenarios.
Explore the full Communication Boards Collection here:
https://sentalktags.co.uk/collections/communication-boards
