Visual aids: social stories, visual timetables and symbols
Overview
For some children, brushing their teeth can feel like a lot to handle. Using pictures or a chart to show each step can make it easier for them. These visual aids help make toothbrushing more predictable and less stressful.
Visual timetables mostly use symbols and pictures, but some children respond best to photos of themselves doing each step of a task. There are some resources available that allow you to make your own visual timetables using your own images and these could be updated as different skills are mastered.
Here are some examples of social stories and visual timetables for toothbrushing:
Downloadable visual supports for different dental procedures, developed by Harris, Marshman, and Short (2019), to help children understand what to expect during dental visits. Made using widgit-health.
Other links
General information about visual supports
Visual supports by National Autistic Society: Provides helpful information on using visual supports to aid communication and daily routines for autistic children.
Makaton symbols and signs for dental visits
Dental cards (NHS Team Smile): Downloadable Makaton symbols and signs to help explain dental visits and routines.
Create your own social stories or timetables
Widgit Online: A tool that helps you create personalised social stories and visual timetables to support your child’s daily activities.
Apps for social stories, timetables, and more
Twinkl Symbols for AAC: This app allows you to create social stories and visual schedules, useful for a variety of daily routines including oral hygiene. It also includes timers and additional communication support tools
Key messages
Watch again
Jump straight to what parents and early years professionals have said about different ways to build toothbrushing routines.
