MYAUTISMHUB × GUIDING STARS · COMMUNICATION
Feelings are messages.
These cards offer one way to share what is happening inside. A child can point, choose, move away, use AAC, gesture, type, speak—or choose no card at all.
Show me.
Or don’t.
A card is an invitation, never a test.
A STARTING SET
Offer a card. Let the child lead.
Tap a card to add it to a temporary “today” set. Personalise, reorder, print or add a familiar photo below.
These are suggestions, not a fixed emotion vocabulary. Use your child’s own words, photos, symbols, objects or communication system whenever they work better.
PAIR FEELINGS WITH SUPPORT
“What might help?” is often more useful than “Why?”
A feeling card can open a conversation, but it cannot explain its own meaning. Offer a small number of familiar support choices and wait for the child’s response.
MAKE THE CARDS FIT
Familiar is better than perfect.
Use real photos, a preferred character, objects of reference, written words, colours or an established AAC system if those are more meaningful. Keep the number of cards manageable and introduce them while everyone is calm.
WHEN A CHILD IS DISTRESSED
Reduce demands before asking for insight.
In a high-stress moment, words and choices can become harder. Prioritise safety, reduce sensory and information load, keep familiar communication available and allow recovery time. A card is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for medical, mental-health or crisis support.
WHY THESE IDEAS ARE HERE
Evidence-informed, child-specific.
Visuals can support communication and emotional awareness, but they should be adapted to the individual and used alongside—not instead of—their established communication methods.