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For parents & carers

Everyday moments. A little more ease.

Gentle, practical ideas for learning together. Start with connection, make room for choice and adapt to your family.

Family learning guide
Illustration of two people arranging picture cards for an everyday routine.

A routine that fits

Start small. Stay flexible.

Build a simple practice plan using the choices here. No profiles, questionnaires or saved records are needed.

Practical learning activity

For parents and carers to explore and adapt. These general learning ideas are not individual clinical advice. No entries are collected or saved.

Choose a moment
Choose an adjustment

Starting the day

  1. Preview just the next two steps using words, pictures or objects.

  2. Offer a manageable choice, such as getting dressed before or after breakfast.

  3. Leave a little transition time and agree how to ask for help or a break.

Try: visual cues

Use two or three simple drawings or familiar objects to show what happens next. Check that the meaning is clear to the person using them.

Before you begin
Make a printable resource

Choices and ticks last only while this page stays open. Use the visual resources below to make a printable schedule or activity card.

Use together. Take with you.

Small cards. More ways to join.

Choose a visual schedule, communication cards or a short role-play to explore together at home. Adapt the activity, not the person.

Participation is optional. These symbols may not suit everyone: confirm their meaning together, or use familiar pictures, objects or words instead. These cards do not replace a person's established AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) or support plan. They are learning resources, not a diagnostic assessment.
Choose a printable resource

Our next few steps

A starting point for starting the day. Keep three or four steps, change a picture or move a step earlier or later. Agree the order together and change it when needed. This is a guide, not a reward chart.

  1. Step 1

    Breakfast

  2. Step 2

    Get dressed

  3. Step 3

    Check together

Download activity pack (PDF)

Opens your browser's print dialog for this resource only. Choose Save as PDF if your browser offers it. Selections stay only in this open page's memory and reset when you reload, leave or choose a different routine. This tool does not request or save personal details, scores or responses.

Connection before correction.

Behaviour can communicate overload, uncertainty or an unmet need. Get curious, reduce demands where appropriate and help the person find a comfortable way to communicate. Never require eye contact or suppress harmless self-regulation.

Know when to ask for help.

For ongoing concerns, speak with a qualified professional who understands your family's context. For bullying or immediate safety concerns, involve a trusted adult and the appropriate safeguarding or emergency service.

Explore guided skill activities