Say what you need
Tap a need tile — the board turns it into a clear sentence and speaks it aloud.
What it does
Understanding your own needs is hard — communicating them is harder. The Needs Board bridges that gap with clear, ready-made tiles for the essentials: space, quiet, help, rest, food, water, company, movement and more. It gives you the language to turn a feeling into a request, which is one of the most powerful skills for living well with any communication difference.
Turn feelings into actionable requests
Clear tiles for space, quiet, help, rest and more
Reduces shutdowns by getting needs met earlier
Helps carers and family respond with confidence
Simple enough to use in any state of overwhelm
How to use it
- 1 Start from a feeling
If you feel something is wrong but cannot say what, open the Needs Board and scan the tiles.
- 2 Point to your need
Select from "I need quiet", "I need space", "I need help", "I need to rest" and so on.
- 3 Add detail if useful
Add a detail tile: "for 10 minutes", "until tomorrow", "with you".
- 4 Show or speak it
Point to the tile, display it on screen, or play it aloud with text-to-speech.
- 5 Check in regularly
Making a habit of naming needs before they become urgent is the real superpower of this tool.
Practical tips
- Teach your support network the board before you need it — they will respond faster in a crisis.
- Combine with the Feelings Board: "I feel overwhelmed + I need quiet" is a complete message.
- Add personal needs that matter to you — the board is yours to shape.
FAQ
What needs are covered?
Core needs: quiet, space, help, rest, food, drink, warmth, company, movement, stimulation breaks, and sensory relief.
Is this useful for children too?
Very — picture-based needs boards help children name what they need before frustration turns into a meltdown.
What if I do not know my own need yet?
That is normal. The board can act as a checklist: scan it slowly and notice which tile your eyes rest on.