Help PECS Icon: Free Printable Help Card
A help card lets your child ask for a hand when a lid will not open or a zipper sticks, instead of crying or walking away. Print a sheet, or edit the card in the free PECS Card Maker.
A full sheet of 12 cards at 2 inch on US Letter. Cut along the dotted line. No email needed.
Also in the sets: Classroom Request Cards and Core Request Cards.
When to use the help card
Use it with any task your child cannot finish alone yet: opening containers, dressing, reaching a shelf, a toy that stopped working. Help is one of the most useful cards a child can have, because it works with every other card.
How to teach the help card
- Set up a small problem on purpose, such as a favorite toy in a jar your child cannot open.
- When your child tries and gets stuck, guide them to hand you the help card.
- Help straight away and say "help" as you do it.
- Practice with different problems so your child learns help works everywhere, not only with the jar.
Printable picture cards, sentence strips, and a communication book to start and grow picture exchange.
Cards that go with it
Open
Break
Yes and No
All Done and More
ToiletFrequently asked questions
- Why does my child need a help card?
- Without a way to ask, a stuck child often gives up, grabs or melts down. The card gives them a fast way to get the help they need.
- Which help picture should I choose?
- Either works. One shows one hand reaching to another; pick whichever your child understands. You can change it on this page before you print.
- Can I combine the help card with other cards?
- Yes. Help pairs naturally with open, a specific item, or a sentence strip such as "I want help".
- Is the help card free?
- Yes. Download the PDF free with no email, or edit it in the free maker.
Take this further with Beacon
Want personalized help? Beacon knows your child and gives guidance specific to them.