Electricity Storm Social Visual Guide
When The Electricity Stops Working Social Visual Guide
Autistic children and young people frequently encounter environments and experiences that are unpredictable, linguistically demanding, or embedded in spoken language expectations. These contexts can increase cognitive and emotional load. Visual information, in contrast, offers clarity, reduces ambiguity, and supports processing in a way that honours Autistic communication and cognitive processing.
The Significance of Social Visual Guides
Social visual guides are scaffolds for understanding the world in a stable, accessible, and respectful format. They centre the needs of Autistic learners by providing concrete, visualised information that reduces reliance on abstract spoken language. Visual supports acknowledge the validity of diverse learning and communication systems and create a predictable communicative space that many Autistic individuals find grounding and reassuring.
High quality visual supports do not attempt to change behaviour or enforce neuro-normative expectations. Their purpose is to support comprehension, agency, emotional safety, and connection. They enable Autistic children and young people, to anticipate what may happen next, express emotional responses, and feel secure during times of transition or uncertainty.
Free Social Visual Guide: When the Electricity Stops Working
“When the Electricity Stops Working” Social Visual Guide, explains what happens when electricity temporarily stops working. It describes the event in clear, accessible language supported by visual structure. The pages identify observable changes such as lights, appliances, and the environment, and validate any emotional responses that may arise. For example, the resource includes pages that describe environmental changes and activities a child may choose while waiting, such as sensory play or staying with trusted adults.
The guide emphasises predictability and safety. It explains that appliances are not broken and that professionals are working to restore power. This honours the lived sensory experience of Autistic children and supports self regulation during unexpected change.
Free Social Visual Guide: My Friend Is Going To A Different School
“My Friend if Going To A Different School” Social Visual Guide, supports children who are preparing for a school transition or a change in peer relationships. It explains that a friend may be attending a different school and that complex emotions are valid and expected. The guide communicates that friendships can continue even when the school context differs. It also recognises the importance of belonging, continuity, and relational safety.
Pages highlight the role of supportive adults, the formation of new friendships, and the preservation of existing relationships. These pages present the transition as a shared experience, and convey reassurance through gentle, accessible language.
Neuroaffirmative Design
Both resources are designed using a rights based, neuroaffirmative philosophy. They do not direct the child on how they should think or feel. Instead, they offer language, visuals, and contextual cues that validate emotions, reduce uncertainty, and enhance understanding. They frame Autistic communication as competent and meaningful.
The guides can be adapted or reorganised to meet individual needs. They are suitable for use at home, in school environments, and within professional practice. Their purpose is to support Autistic wellbeing, autonomy, and communication.
Download the Free Resources
These two Social Visual Guides are free to download from the Flourish website. They support Autistic identity, emotional security, transition readiness, and communication.
I am proud to share the Flourish resources with the Little Puddins community. They reflect a commitment to accessibility, visual learning, and the right to understand the world in ways that respect Autistic communication and lived experience.
Join the Storm Watch West Community
In addition to the Autism Storm Advice Guide, I have also co-founded the Storm Watch West – Community Updates Facebook Group alongside my colleague Debbie Conroy. This group is designed to provide real-time storm updates, practical support, and a sense of community for individuals navigating extreme weather events.
By joining, you will have access to:
Live Weather Alerts & Safety Updates
Information on Storm Preparedness
Community Support & Shared Experiences
Resources Tailored for Families & Neurodivergent Individuals living in the West of Ireland
Join Storm Watch West – Community Updates
Share & Support Autistic Families
If you know a family who could benefit from this free Autism Storm Advice Guide, please share this post with them. Together, we can ensure that no Autistic individual or their family is left without the support they need.
