Visual supports

Visual supports can help you communicate with young people and adults, support their understanding and reduce their uncertainty about what to expect. They're particularly useful for people who are neurodivergent, have hearing impairments, or don’t speak English as a first language.

Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work best for another. Speak to the person and/or their parents or carers to find out what may work best for them. Use our guidance on planning individual support to help you.

Visual timetable or schedule

Visual timetables use symbols, words and pictures to break down the steps of a task or routine. They can be helpful for our youngest members, Squirrels, who may still be developing their concept of time. You could use visual timetables or schedules to show the programme for the term, steps in a specific activity or for a section meeting. You can display these in your usual meeting place for your whole section to use. 

Download our resources: Visual schedule templates and symbol packs

Our symbol packs are sets of Widgit Symbols including symbols for common Scout routines and activities. You can use these on their own, or with our visual schedule templates. There are six different styles of template, so you can pick what works best for your group or young person.

 

Visual stories

Visual stories contain words and symbols or pictures to explain a specific situation, what someone can expect to happen and what they need to do. 

You may want to create your own visual stories to help someone prepare for specific events or trips they are taking part in.

You can find out more about Social Stories™ (a type of story written in a specific way) on the Social Stories website. 

Download our resources: Visual stories

We have visual stories for all sections, covering joining Scouts, making the Promise, and going on camp. There’s also one about the Grand Howl for Cubs. All of these use Widgit Symbols, and you can download them in full colour or low‑ink versions.

 

Other visual supports

You may want to create a visual reminder of your section's behaviour code or rules using words, symbols, and pictures to display in your usual meeting place.

When giving instructions, you may want to provide printed copies with words, symbols and pictures.

Some people may benefit from using Personal Exchange Communication systems or PEC cards. These cards help the person communicate any needs with you, for example, if it is too loud or if they need a drink. Examples of PEC cards can be found on Twinkl.

Creating your own resources

You can create your own visual resources using symbols, drawings or pictures. Some organisations provide free resources that you can use or adapt for Scouts, while others are available for a small fee. Find out more about our Additional Needs Grant.

Free resources are available from the National Autistic Society, Widgit, Twinkl, Autism Toolbox and TES.