My Break and Help Cards – Lanyard Communication Cards and Break Board (A4 + US Letter)

Sometimes it’s hard to find the words, especially when everything is too much. My Break and Help Cards are 12 lanyard-size cards your child can show instead: I need a break, I need help, it’s too loud and more. Plus a break choices board, so the break has a plan. Made by a dad for his own autistic, ADHD son.

What you get (instant download, 6 pages)

• 12 lanyard cards (credit-card size, 54 x 86 mm) with a punch-hole mark: I need a break, I need help, I need the toilet, I need a drink, I’m hungry, it’s too loud, I need quiet, I need a hug, I feel worried, stop please, yes, no
• An “On my break I can” choice board
• 15 break choice cards (52 mm): quiet time, a walk, a drink, a snack, painting, ear defenders, puzzle, colouring, reading, trampoline, toys, a hug, calm, music, go outside
• 3 blank cards you can type on before printing
• A one-page set-up guide with tips

How it works

• Pick the two or three lanyard cards your child needs most and practise them on a calm day.
• When your child shows a card, respond every time, so they learn it works.
• Set up the break board with a few choices your child can pick from.

Two editions

UK A4 and US Letter PDFs, both in your download (UK says toilet, US says bathroom). Print at 100% on thin card (cardstock), laminate, cut along the thick blue borders and add hook-and-loop dots.

Works with the rest of the shop

The break cards are the same 52 mm size as all our kits, so they fit every board in the shop.

Please note

• Digital download only. Nothing is posted.
• An everyday visual planning tool, not a therapy or medical product.
• For personal and classroom use. Please do not resell or share the files.
• Colours vary a little between printers and screens.
• If anything is wrong, email me and I’ll sort it.
• Designed by me, with AI tools used to help draw and lay out the artwork; every card is checked by hand.