🙋 Requesting Cards
Twelve cards for the asks that stop a lot of explosions: help, more, finished, stop, my turn, can I play. Honour the card the moment they use it.
How to use it at home
- Print, cut, pick three cards this week — not all twelve.
- Put them where the explosion happens: the fridge, the door, the toy box.
- When they hand you a card, honour it immediately while it is new. Then fade.
- Write the home-language word on the back (madad, aur, khatam). Count both languages.
A quick preview — here’s what you’ll print:
- Print, cut, pick three cards this week — not all twelve.
- Put them where the explosion happens: the fridge, the door, the toy box.
- When they hand you a card, honour it immediately while it is new. Then fade.
- Write the home-language word on the back (madad, aur, khatam). Count both languages.
Pairs with our home talking program at inclusivetherapycentre.com/home-programs
Why this helps
A lot of “bad behaviour” is a request with no words. A card is a faster ask than screaming — if, and only if, the card actually gets the job done. Pay the ask. Do not pay the scream. See teaching a child to request and teaching requests.
This is not PECS as a certified programme. Picture exchange is one idea. We will use a card, a point, a word or a simple app — whichever this child will actually use. We are not a certified PECS centre. Non-speaking children: few words or none.
Start with the one ask that would change this week. “Help” at the homework table. “Finished” at dinner. “Can I play?” in the park. Twelve cards on day one is how none of them get used.
Tips for using it well
- Do honour the card the first week even if the timing is inconvenient. That is how it becomes worth using.
- Don’t withhold the thing until they “use their words” if they are already in a flood.
- Do pair with a first–then board when the ask is to delay, not to get.
- Do log what happened on the practice log.
Common questions
Will pictures stop them talking?
Used well, they usually increase talking. We do not swap speech for pictures as a forever plan without a reason. Speech still sits with speech therapy.
Which language should be on the card?
The language they hear most at home. Write Urdu, English, or both. Mixing two languages does not cause delay.
They tear every card.
Laminate, or use a photograph on your phone, or a real object. A torn card is still a request if they handed it to you first.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team — our Speech & Language Therapist, psychology and ABA staff. This page is awaiting its clinical review.
Want help using these with your child?
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM