Communication passport template for your child
Free · works in any country · By The Jay Way team
A communication passport is a short page that tells new people how your child communicates: how they say yes and no, what helps them understand, and what they enjoy. A relief teacher, respite carer or new therapist can read it in a couple of minutes.
Write it with your child if you can. Describe what you have seen rather than what you think it means, and say when something changes from day to day. A diagnosis on its own doesn’t tell anyone how to talk with your child.
It works in any country. Some schools and services have their own template, so it’s worth asking. Education Scotland’s communication passport page has background and more examples.
How to use it
Fill in whatever you can. Every box is optional. Build the sheet, then change anything you like before you copy or print it.
Nothing you type leaves this page. It isn’t saved or sent to us, so copy or print your sheet before you close the tab. Leave out full names, NDIS numbers and anything you wouldn’t want passed on. Our site analytics only count that the tool was used.
See a filled-in example
The child and details are made up. It’s here to show how much detail helps.
My communication passport Name or nickname (optional) Alex (example) Things I love Enjoys trains and choosing which book to read. How I communicate Uses short spoken phrases and points to pictures. May use pictures more in an unfamiliar place. How I say yes and no Usually says “yes” or pushes an unwanted item away. If the meaning is unclear, check with Alex rather than guessing. What helps me understand you One question at a time, with the picture choices where Alex can reach them. How you can tell I need a break May cover their ears and move towards the door in a noisy room. What helps me join in Ask Alex whether a quieter place would help. Keep their picture board within reach. Please check with me or my family about Ask how Alex wants to communicate today; these notes do not explain every situation. Last updated Example only: add your own date. Written with my family. Things can change, so please check with us. This isn’t a medical record, care plan or emergency plan.
Your sheet
Read it through and delete anything you don’t want to share. Changes here don’t go back into the form, and building the sheet again replaces them.
Sources and limits
Checked . The Jay Way wrote these prompts. They aren’t an official form or assessment.
- Education Scotland: Communication Passports (background and examples)
Written with my family. Things can change, so please check with us. This isn’t a medical record, care plan or emergency plan.