Why Conversation Skills Can Be Challenging
For many autistic children, knowing how to begin, continue, and end a conversation can feel confusing. Questions like “How do I start talking to someone?” or “What should I say next?” may create stress. That’s why having the right supports in place can make such a difference. The Conversation Skills: Initiating, Maintaining, and Ending Conversations resource provides a social story, cue cards, and picture prompts to make conversations easier and more engaging.
A Simple Volleyball Analogy for Conversation
To make conversations easier to understand, this resource uses a volleyball analogy. Just like a volleyball game, conversations go back and forth between two people. If the ball gets dropped, the game stops. If it goes out of bounds, the game ends. The same is true for conversations — they only keep going if both people are actively taking turns.
This analogy gives children a fun, concrete picture of how back-and-forth communication works, and it’s one they can easily remember.
What’s Included in the Conversation Skills Resource
Social Story for Initiating, Maintaining, and Ending Conversations
The heart of this resource is a clear, easy-to-follow social story. It explains the three main parts of a conversation — starting, maintaining, and ending — in a way children can relate to. By breaking it into simple steps, children gain a roadmap for more successful interactions.
Cue Cards for Turn Taking & Conversation Reminders
Four cue cards are included to support children as they practice conversations. These cards act as visual reminders for turn taking and keeping the conversation going. They can be used in therapy sessions, classrooms, or at home.
Picture Scene Cards for Practice
Five picture scene cards provide prompts to spark conversations. These scenes give children something to talk about, helping them apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations.
This has been a fabulous resource for my students with learning disabilities! -Melissa Z.
How This Resource Supports Learning and Connection
Building conversation skills doesn’t happen overnight, but with visuals and repeated practice, children can feel more confident. This resource provides:
- Clear teaching through a relatable story
- Visual tools that reduce anxiety about “what comes next”
- Opportunities for practice in supportive settings
- A fun analogy that helps the concept stick
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this tool can help autistic children gain practical skills that lead to stronger relationships and more enjoyable interactions.
This was a great way to break down conversations into parts and teach the back and forth aspect. -Lindsay B.
Get the Conversation Skills Resource Today
If your child or students struggle with conversation skills, this resource offers a gentle and effective way to guide them. With the volleyball analogy, social story, cue cards, and picture prompts, you’ll have everything you need to make learning conversations both clear and engaging.
👉 Shop the Conversation Skills Resource here!
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Visual supports give children another way to understand, communicate, and participate — no matter how they express themselves. The Visual Supports Starter Set includes visuals you can use in your home or classroom to support autonomy, connection, and shared understanding. Click here to get yours and begin building supportive routines that truly honor every child’s voice.
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