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Guide

How should a charity or service choose visual support tools?

Matching tools to the people you support, privacy, cost, training, and running a small trial.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

Start with the people you support: ages, communication needs and settings. Then compare tools on ease of use, whether families can use them at home, privacy (where children's data and photos are stored), offline use, cost per family, accessibility and training. Run a small trial with a few families and staff, gather feedback, and choose based on what actually gets used.

Key takeaways
  • Start with the people you support.
  • Compare ease of use, privacy, offline use and cost.
  • Make sure families can use it at home.
  • Trial with a few families before choosing.

What should we compare?

Choosing visual support tools
CriterionQuestions
FitDoes it suit the ages and needs we support?
Ease of useCan staff and families set it up quickly?
PrivacyWhere are children's photos and data stored?
Offline useDoes it work without internet?
CostCost per family or per staff member
TrainingWhat support is available?

Visual supports are an evidence-based practice for autistic children.1 In the UK, online services likely to be used by children should follow the ICO's children's code.2

How do we run a trial?

  1. Pick 3 to 5 families and a few staff.
  2. Set a goal, like easier mornings or transitions.
  3. Try for 4 to 6 weeks.
  4. Gather feedback and decide.

What can we do next?

0 of 3 done

Talk to us about your organisation: For schools and organisations

Common questions

Both have a place. Paper is quick and cheap; apps are easier to update, personalise with photos and share between settings.

Sources

  1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. afirm.fpg.unc.edu
  2. Information Commissioner's Office: Age appropriate design code. ico.org.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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