When Do You Need Custom Visual Communication Tags?

Custom visual communication tags for autism routines and SEN support

Visual communication tools work best when they reflect real daily routines. While many activities can be covered with standard visual tags, some routines are unique to each individual, family, or setting.

Custom visual communication tags allow you to create personalised visual cues that represent specific activities, routines, or needs. By matching the visuals to real life, individuals can recognise routines more easily and understand what is happening next.

Custom tags are often used alongside visual routine boards and Now Next Then boards to support structured routines and clear communication.

Why Custom Visual Tags Can Be Helpful

Every routine is different. Although many daily activities are common, some situations require visuals that are more specific.

Custom visual communication tags make it possible to represent activities that may not appear in standard tag sets. As a result, routines can feel more personalised and easier to understand.

Parents, teachers, and support workers often use custom tags to support communication, independence, and structured routines.

Situations Where Custom Tags Are Useful

Unique Family Routines

Many families have routines that are specific to their household.

Examples might include:

  • Dog walk
  • Visiting grandparents
  • Homework time
  • Reading time
  • Bedtime story

Custom tags allow these activities to be added to a visual routine.

Therapy or Support Sessions

Therapists and support workers often need visuals that represent specific sessions or environments.

Examples include:

  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Sensory room
  • Social skills group

Custom tags can help individuals prepare for these activities as part of a visual schedule.

School or Classroom Activities

Schools often use visual schedules to help pupils understand the structure of the day.

Custom tags may be useful for activities such as:

  • Assembly
  • Reading group
  • Maths
  • Library time
  • Break time

These tags can be added to classroom visual routine boards to help pupils understand the sequence of activities.

Creating Your Own Custom Visual Communication Tags

Custom tags allow you to personalise visual communication tools based on your specific needs.

When creating a custom tag you can choose:

  • the icon
  • the text label
  • the colour
  • the tag type (board tag or portable tag)
  • whether the tag includes a keychain

You can also choose bundle sizes if you need several custom tags at once.

If you would like to create your own personalised tags, you can explore our Custom Visual Communication Tags product here.

Using Custom Tags with Visual Routine Boards

Custom tags work best when used as part of a visual communication system.

Many people combine custom tags with:

By combining standard tag sets with personalised tags, it becomes possible to create routines that truly reflect everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Visual communication works best when routines feel familiar and meaningful. Custom visual communication tags allow routines, activities, and needs to be represented clearly and consistently.

By creating personalised tags, parents, teachers, and support workers can build visual routines that support communication, independence, and confidence.

You can also explore our full range of visual communication tools for autism and SEN support to help build structured routines and improve daily communication.

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