# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/charity-choose-visual-support-tools
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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?

| Criterion | Questions |
| --- | --- |
| Fit | Does it suit the ages and needs we support? |
| Ease of use | Can staff and families set it up quickly? |
| Privacy | Where are children's photos and data stored? |
| Offline use | Does it work without internet? |
| Cost | Cost per family or per staff member |
| Training | What 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.

**Talk to us.** For group or organisation use of The Autism Kit, contact us through the schools page. Children's routines and photos
  stay on the device in the current app.

## What can we do next?

- [ ] List the needs of the people you support
- [ ] Compare two or three tools
- [ ] Plan a small trial

Talk to us about your organisation: [For schools and organisations](https://theautismkit.com/schools)

## Common questions

### Paper or app?

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

### What privacy questions should we ask?

Where children's photos and data are stored, whether accounts are required, and whether there are ads or tracking.

### Can we get a group price?

For The Autism Kit, contact us through the schools page and we'll talk about your organisation's needs.

## Sources

1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf
2. Information Commissioner's Office: Age appropriate design code. https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/age-appropriate-design-a-code-of-practice-for-online-services/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.