Self-Care Instruction Cards

Step-by-step visual instructions to make everyday self-care routines clearer, more predictable and easier to follow.

The Self-Care Instruction Cards provide practical visual guidance for everyday personal care tasks, including washing and brushing teeth.

Designed by paediatric therapists, the cards combine Boardmaker symbols, written instructions and photographs to break self-care activities into smaller, more manageable steps.

For children who find sequencing, remembering instructions or processing verbal directions challenging, having a visual reference can make it easier to understand what comes next without relying on repeated reminders.

Each card is approximately A5-sized, with the set held together on a ring for easy access during daily routines. The included Ways to Play suggestions offer opportunities to explore and practise self-care skills in an engaging, low-pressure way.

Although designed primarily for children, the instructions may also be useful for teens and adults who benefit from visual guidance and are comfortable with child-focused imagery.

Why we chose it

• Clear, step-by-step visual instructions for everyday hygiene and personal care routines

• Combines Boardmaker symbols, photographs and written instructions to support different ways of processing information

• Breaks multi-step activities into smaller, more manageable actions

• Provides a visual reference that may reduce reliance on repeated verbal prompts

• Supports sequencing, task initiation and participation in everyday self-care

• Helps make routines more predictable by showing what comes next

• Approximately A5-sized cards for easy viewing

• Ring-bound format keeps the cards together and accessible

• Includes Ways to Play suggestions for practising self-care skills

When might visual self-care instructions be useful?

Everyday hygiene routines can involve multiple steps, sensory experiences and transitions.

Some children may know how to complete individual parts of a task but find it difficult to remember the sequence, get started or work through the routine without additional guidance.

Visual instructions may be useful during:

• Morning and evening hygiene routines

• Toothbrushing

• Bathing and washing

• Learning or practising personal care skills

• Times when verbal instructions feel overwhelming

• Building familiarity with new or changing routines

• Supporting participation in daily living activities at home or in therapy

The cards can be used alongside verbal guidance, modelling or hands-on assistance, depending on the individual's needs.

Supporting independence with visual instructions

Visual supports can make information easier to access without requiring someone to remember every instruction or process multiple spoken directions.

Rather than expecting a child to complete an entire routine from memory, the cards provide a reference they can return to as often as needed.

They can also help parents, carers and support workers provide consistent instructions, while allowing the individual to work through tasks at their own pace.

Independence looks different for everyone. For some, that may mean completing a routine independently. For others, it may mean participating in more steps, making choices or needing fewer prompts.

Product details

• Product: Self-Care Instruction Cards

• Designed by: Paediatric therapists

• Recommended age: 3+

• Card size: Approximately A5

• Format: Ring-bound instruction cards

• Visual guidance: Boardmaker symbols, photographs and written instructions

• Activities include: Washing and brushing teeth

• Includes Ways to Play suggestions

• Designed primarily for children

Please note: These cards feature photographs of children. While the instructions may also be useful for older individuals, the imagery and presentation are child-focused.

Care & safety

Keep the cards clean and dry where possible, particularly when using them around sinks, baths or showers.

Adult guidance or assistance may be needed depending on the individual's age, abilities and personal care needs.

The cards are an instructional support and do not replace appropriate supervision during hygiene activities.

ND-affirming note

Needing visual instructions, reminders or assistance with personal care doesn't mean someone isn't capable or isn't trying.

Everyday routines can involve executive functioning, sensory processing, motor planning and sequencing demands that aren't always visible to others.

Visual supports aren't about forcing independence or removing support before someone is ready. They're about making information accessible and giving each person more ways to participate in their own care, with whatever level of assistance works for them.