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Help, Break and All Done Cards – Free Printable Visuals
Three clear support cards (I need help, Take a break and All done) paired with three calm break options featuring Noah. Download the free A4 PDF without an account or edit labels before printing.
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Created by Pictofy · Updated
6 cards, one step at a time
Sometimes a child does not need a full schedule, but a direct way to show 'I need help', 'I need a break' or 'this activity is all done'. This sheet pairs those three support cards with three calm break choices.
I need help 
Take a break 
All done 
Quiet book break 
Drawing break 
Have a snack
Want to try cards with your own character?
Choose the character's features or use a photo, then preview three sample cards free on screen. The picture is an example; you create your own character.
See 3 cards with your own child free on screen →No account · Photo optional · Full Starter Pack sold separately as a one-off purchase
Print the cards
All 6 cards on one A4 sheet with names underneath, ready to cut out. To swap a card or change a label, open the sheet in the editor first.
- Print on A4 at 100% and cut out the six cards.
- Keep I need help, Take a break and All done visible beside your First–Then board or routine strip so your child can point to or hand over a card.
- Practise using the cards during a calm moment first, and agree what a break looks like in your setting (such as reading a book or having a drink).
Try the method on this page · 2 steps at a time
See how the cards work on a Now & Next board
When the full sequence feels like too much at once, show just two cards: what we are doing Now and what comes Next. Click Done with Now to test the transition.
I need help
Take a break
Waiting calmly until Now is finished
Example using the free cards. Choose the activities that fit your day.
Offer a visible way to ask for help or a break before frustration builds
When a zipper sticks in the hallway or a transition feels overwhelming, finding spoken words to ask for assistance can be difficult. Keeping an I need help and Take a break card within reach lets your child point to or hand over a card instead.
Introduce and practise the cards during calm, low-demand moments first so your child experiences how pointing to Help or Break works in practice.
Using the All Done visual to close an activity clearly
Marking the end of an activity is just as important as showing the start. Your child can place the All done card over a completed step or move the activity card into a finished pile.
Pairing All done with a First–Then board makes moving from the first activity to the next step concrete and predictable.
Pair the Break card with a calm, agreed break option
A break works best when everyone knows what happens during the pause. Use Noah's three calm break cards (Quiet book break, Drawing break, Drink or snack) or open Edit the cards before printing to customize the labels to your own setting.
Free sheet or your own character?
Free A4 sheet with Noah
Free
- Use the existing example cards.
- Edit labels, cards and order before printing.
- Print free without an account.
Starter Pack with your own character
One-off purchase
- Choose two personal pictogram packs.
- Build the character yourself or use a photo. Photos are optional.
- Digital cards for printing and screens. No subscription.
The Starter Pack is a separate choice of personal packs; this free sheet is not automatically converted.
Questions about the material
How do we introduce the I need help and Take a break visuals?
Practise during calm, everyday moments first. When you notice your child reaching for something or needing assistance, gently point to the I need help card and help straight away without requiring extra spoken sentences.
What if our child points to Take a break repeatedly?
Agree beforehand what a short break involves (such as one book or a drink of water) and place the remaining step in Next on a First–Then board. Frequent break requests can also be a helpful cue to shorten the routine to fewer steps.
Do these support cards match the Starter Pack boards?
Yes. Break, Help and Finished support cards are also included in the personal Starter Pack at 5 × 6 cm to fit the Now-and-Next and My Routine boards.
Can we customize the text underneath?
Yes. Click Edit the cards before printing to change the labels free without an account — for example 'Help please', 'Quiet corner' or 'Finished'.
Background sources for the guidance. Pictofy created the cards and examples; these sources do not endorse the materials.
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Also read: pictograms for children with autism · weekly schedule with pictograms