How to use need and emotion cards with my child with Down syndrome?

Print the cards on thick paper, laminate them, and cut them individually. Keep them in an accessible place and encourage your child to point or take the card corresponding to their need. Immediately validate their use by verbalizing what they express.

On what type of paper should the need cards be printed?

It is recommended to print the cards on thick paper of at least 200g or cardboard, then laminate them for more durability.

What types of needs are represented on the cards?

The cards cover different needs like hunger, thirst, fatigue, need for hugs, calm, play, as well as emotions like fear, joy, and situations like pain or misunderstanding.

How to validate my child's use of the cards?

Immediately validate the use by verbalizing what your child expresses. For example: 'Ah, you're thirsty! Thank you for showing me, I will get you a drink'. This reinforces communication and encourages the use of the cards.

Where to store the need cards for them to be effective?

Keep the cards accessible in a fixed place like a box, pocket, or magnetic board. The important thing is that they are always within reach of your child when they need them.

What are these visual cards for children with Down syndrome used for?

These cards are visual tools that help children with Down syndrome express their needs and emotions when verbal communication can be difficult. They facilitate mutual understanding between the child and their family.

Needs Cards | DYNSEO

🎴 DYNSEO TOOL — COMMUNICATION

Needs Cards
Visual tools — DYNSEO

Visual cards to help your child express their needs. Click on the cards used in session, then save.

✨ DYNSEO Member — Sessions saved automatically

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👤 Child / Patient

📅 Session date

👩‍⚕️ Professional

🎯 Goal

Cards used /10

📋 How to use

In session: click on the cards the child uses to mark them
Print on thick paper (200g) or card, then laminate
Keep them accessible in a fixed place (box, pouch, magnetic board)
Encourage the child to point to or pick up the card matching their need
Respond immediately and verbalise: "Oh you're thirsty! Thank you for showing me!"

Session interaction:

🖱️ Click = mark a card as used

🔁 Click again = deselect

🍽️

I'm hungry

💧

I'm thirsty

😴

I'm tired

🤗

I need a hug

🧘

I need quiet

🎮

I want to play

🤕

I'm in pain

❓

I don't understand

😰

I'm scared

😊

I'm happy

📝 Session notes

🎴 View session report

Your data is processed locally. DYNSEO members benefit from automatic saving and PDF printing of the cards used in session.

🎴 Session report

— · —

Cards used

/ 10 cards

🎴 Needs expressed in session

Needs CardsVisual tools — DYNSEO

📋 How to use

📝 Session notes

🎴 Session report

Needs Cards
Visual tools — DYNSEO