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Free Picture Communication Cards
A set of 100 clear picture and word cards for AAC and PECS-style picture exchange — for autistic children and children with additional needs. Download, print and cut out.
Download the free printable (PDF) A4 · 100 cards · 12 pages · ready to print and cut outPicture communication cards give a child who finds speech difficult a way to make requests, answer questions and share how they feel — by handing over or pointing to a card. This free set covers the everyday vocabulary most families start with, so you can begin straight away without buying anything.
What's included
- Requesting & core words — yes, no, please, thank you, stop, I want, more, help, finished, go, wait, look, come, give, open, turn, hello, bye, hurt
- Food & drink — drink, water, milk, juice, eat, apple, banana, orange, biscuit, crisps, chips, toast, cereal, yoghurt, sandwich, chocolate, cake, pizza, pasta, hungry, thirsty
- Feelings & body — happy, sad, angry, worried, scared, tired, excited, medicine, plaster
- Activities — play, read a book, music, computer, phone, car, ball, dog, cat, park, outside, break, hug, swing, slide, bubbles, trampoline, swim, draw, colouring, paint, walk, shop, garden, puzzle
- People, places & routines — mum, dad, sister, brother, baby, teacher, home, school, bed, sleep, brush teeth, wash hands, bath, shower, get dressed, coat, socks, hat, toilet, quiet
- Time & weather — morning, night, today, rain, sun, snow
How to use them
- Print the pages, ideally on card, and cut out the cards along the dotted lines. Laminating them makes them last far longer.
- Start with just one or two cards for things your child really wants — a favourite snack or activity works best.
- Encourage your child to hand you the card to ask for the item. Give it straight away and name it clearly.
- Build up slowly to more cards, then to putting cards together (for example "I want" + "biscuit").
- Keep the cards somewhere consistent — a ring binder, a board with self-adhesive hook-and-loop dots, or a small wallet.
A speech and language therapist can help you choose the right vocabulary and approach for your child. These cards are a starting point, not a substitute for professional support.
Frequently asked questions
Are these free to download and print?
Yes — the PDF is completely free to download, print and cut out. Because the symbols come from the openly licensed Mulberry Symbol Set, you're also free to share the sheet, as long as the credit printed on it stays intact.
Is this the official PECS system?
No. PECS is a registered trademark of Pyramid Educational Consultants, and Helpset isn't affiliated with or endorsed by them. These cards are a free resource that supports a picture-exchange style of communication. For official PECS training and materials, go to Pyramid Educational Consultants.
What symbols do the cards use?
They use the Mulberry Symbol Set — a free, openly licensed collection of communication symbols designed for AAC. This means the cards are genuinely free to use and share, with no licence fees.
Can I get more cards or different words?
This is a starter set of everyday vocabulary. If you'd like a digital version you can use on a phone or tablet, or need a word these cards don't cover, try the Helpset Communication Cards app, linked below.
More free resources from Helpset
Symbols: the Mulberry Symbol Set © Garry Paxton & Steve Lee, licensed under CC BY-SA (mulberrysymbols.org). This printable is shared by Helpset under the same CC BY-SA licence. PECS® is a registered trademark of Pyramid Educational Consultants; Helpset is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pyramid.