Conversation cards can be a valuable tool in facilitating communication for individuals with autism. These cards contain open-ended questions or prompts that encourage dialogue and help individuals with autism engage in meaningful conversations. Here, we will explore the benefits of using conversation cards and the different types available.
Benefits of Conversation Cards for Autistic Individuals
Conversation cards offer several benefits in promoting communication skills for individuals with autism. Some of these benefits include:

Practical Applications
When it comes to using conversation cards in everyday life, there are numerous practical applications that can help individuals with autism improve their communication skills. Additionally, users can customize conversation cards to make them more tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Using Cards in Everyday Situations
Conversation cards can be a valuable tool in various everyday situations, providing opportunities for individuals with autism to practice and engage in conversations. Here are some examples of how these cards can be used:
- Neighborhood Walks: Taking a walk around the neighborhood and greeting people can provide opportunities for children with autism to practice conversational skills by engaging in discussions with neighbors. Conversation cards can serve as prompts to initiate conversations and keep them flowing.
- Car Trips: Children with autism often find it easier to engage in conversation in the car, where they don’t have to worry about direct eye contact or body language. Utilizing car trips can be an effective way to practice making conversation. Conversation cards can be used to initiate discussions on various topics during these journeys.
- Social Interactions: These cards can also serve as prompts and aids during social interactions, especially during times of stress. By having pre-prepared conversation prompts, individuals with autism can feel more confident and prepared in social situations.
Customizing Conversation Cards
Customizing conversation cards can enhance their effectiveness and make them more relevant to the individual’s specific communication needs. Here are some ways to customize conversation cards:
- Topics of Interest: Take into account the person’s interests and preferences when creating or selecting conversation cards. By focusing on topics that are personally meaningful to them, individuals with autism are more likely to engage in conversations and feel motivated to communicate.
- Visual Supports: Some individuals with autism may benefit from visual support on the conversation cards. This can include pictures, symbols, or icons that represent the topic being discussed. Visual supports can help individuals with autism understand and process information more easily.
- Personalized Prompts: Consider adding personalized prompts or questions to the conversation cards. These prompts can be based on the individual’s unique communication goals or areas of difficulty. By tailoring the cards to their specific needs, individuals with autism can practice and develop the skills that are most relevant to them.
Creating Your Conversation Cards
For individuals with autism, customized conversation cards can be a valuable tool for improving communication skills and facilitating meaningful interactions. There are different options available for creating these cards, including do-it-yourself (DIY) conversation cards and customization options.
DIY Conversation Cards
Creating your own conversation cards allows for personalized content tailored to the specific needs and interests of the individual with autism. To create the DIY conversation cards, simply print out the Word document and cut out the individual cards. Laminating the cards can help increase durability.
Making DIY conversation cards also involves creating personalized scripts, which means tailoring the language and content of the cards to the specific needs and interests of the individual with autism. Here are some steps to consider when creating personalized scripts for your conversation cards:
- Identify the social situations: Determine the specific social situations or scenarios in which the individual may need support or guidance. This could include greetings, introductions, asking for help, or initiating a conversation.
- Break it down: Break down the conversation into smaller, manageable parts. Focus on key phrases or sentences that are relevant to the situation. Consider the context, tone, and body language that may be appropriate for each scenario.
- Use visual supports: Incorporate visual supports, such as pictures or icons, alongside the written scripts. Visual cues can help individuals with autism better understand and remember the content of the script.
- Practice and reinforce: Practice the scripts with the individual regularly. Role-play different scenarios to provide opportunities for them to practice using the scripts in a safe environment. Reinforce their efforts and provide positive feedback to boost their confidence.
- Gradually fade support: As the individual becomes more comfortable and proficient with the scripts, gradually reduce the reliance on them. Encourage them to use their scripts as a reference rather than relying on them word-for-word. This promotes flexibility and adaptability in their communication skills.
Customization Options
In addition to the DIY approach, there are also customization options available for conversation cards. Some companies or websites offer pre-made conversation card sets that can be tailored to the individual’s preferences. These sets may cover a range of topics, such as emotions, daily activities, or social interactions.
It’s important to consider the specific needs of the individual with autism. Look for sets that align with their communication goals and provide relevant prompts or cues. Customization options may include selecting specific cards from a set, adding personalized content, or adapting the cards to suit one’s preferences.
Personalized cards can help facilitate communication, increase independence, and promote social interactions. Whether you choose the DIY approach or opt for pre-made cards with customization options, the key is to create conversation cards that are tailored to the unique needs and strengths of the individual.
At A Better Way ABA, we offer high-quality ABA therapy New York, tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our experienced therapists work closely with families to address specific communication challenges. We believe in creating an encouraging environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. Contact us today to learn more about our ABA therapy services and how we can help your child develop essential communication skills!
Sources:
https://justkeepstimming.com/2019/05/13/conversation-cards/
https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/uploads/How-to-use-the-Conversation-Cards-V4.pdf
https://autismawarenesscentre.com/small-talk-can-loom-large-teaching-child-flow-conversation/