Symbol-based communication

Also called Symbol communication, Picture communication, Graphic symbols

Communicating with pictures that stand for words, for anyone who cannot yet read, or cannot read reliably under pressure.

What it is

Symbol-based communication uses pictures that stand for words. Each symbol represents one idea ("drink", "more", "sad", "not") and the person points to them, or taps them on a device, to build a message. The pictures are usually drawn in a consistent style from a published set such as Widgit symbols, PCS, SymbolStix or the free ARASAAC set.

It sits opposite text-based AAC, where the person spells. The two are not rungs on a ladder. Many people use both, and a symbol system built well has letters in it from the start.

Who it can help

People who don't read yet, which includes every young child, and people who read but not fast enough to hold a conversation with it. Children with Down's syndrome, autistic children, people with a learning disability, adults with aphasia after a stroke who have lost written words as well as spoken ones.

Where it disappoints: a symbol can only say what someone put on the board. Without letters somewhere in the system, the person is limited to the vocabulary an adult chose for them, which is why literacy and AAC belongs in every plan from day one, whatever anyone assumes about the person's ability.

How it works

A symbol is chosen and, on a device, spoken; on paper, the partner voices it. Symbols carry a written label above or below the picture, so a reader sees the word every time and the picture gradually becomes unnecessary.

The choice of set matters less than consistency. A child who learns "help" as one drawing at school and a different drawing at home is learning two languages. The choice of words matters more: a board of nouns (apple, ball, dog) lets a person label; a board of core words (want, go, not, more, that) lets them talk.

Symbols also sort into pragmatic, semantic-syntactic and visual scene layouts, and that choice shapes what is easy to say.

Getting started

Open the Talk board: 308 symbol cards in 14 sets covering needs, feelings, people, food and drink, actions, places, the bathroom, the kitchen, manners and sentence starters. Say a sentence with it yourself, in front of the person, three or four times a day, and don't ask them to say anything back.

Pick a set and stick with it across home, school and any care setting. Write the name of the set in the communication passport.

Add the letters. Even a beginner's board should have an alphabet page or an alphabet board behind it, because the only way anyone learns to spell is by seeing letters used.

Where to get help

Widgit sells the most widely used UK symbol set and free samples; ARASAAC and Global Symbols offer free sets and board-makers. Communication Matters and ACE Centre publish guidance on choosing and using symbols. A speech and language therapist will assess which symbols and layout suit the person.