For pupils with communication needs, AI tools can help staff prepare visual supports, simplified language, and structured communication aids more quickly than building them from scratch each time.

Practical uses

  • Generating simple, structured sentence templates for pupils using AAC or symbol-supported communication
  • Drafting visual timetable text in short, consistent phrasing
  • Creating social story first drafts for a specific scenario, which staff then personalise

Involve your specialists

Speech and language therapists and specialist SEND staff should review anything communication-related before it's used regularly with a pupil — AI can produce a solid first draft, but the fine-tuning for an individual child's communication profile needs specialist input.

Social stories: a worked example

A common request is a social story for a specific, recurring scenario — a fire drill, a change to the daily routine, a school trip. Describe the scenario and the pupil's general needs in general terms ("a Year 2 pupil who finds unexpected changes to routine difficult") and ask for a short, simple social story in first person. Then have the relevant specialist review and personalise it before it's used.

Key takeaways

  • AI speeds up first drafts of communication aids and social stories.
  • Specialist staff should always review before individual use.
  • Describe scenarios in general terms, then personalise after specialist review.