Peace Out Break Cards
Peace Out Break Cards
Portable Visual Communication Set • Print on 110lb cardstock, laminate, and ring-bind
Multi-Setting Visual Support
Primary Lanyard / Desk Cards (3.25" × 4.25") Corner dot indicates standard 1/4" ring hole
CARD 1
BREAK
I NEED A PAUSE
CARD 2
I NEED A BREAK
QUIET SPACE
CARD 3
CALM TIME
DEEP BREATHS
CARD 4
QUICK BREAK
REST & RETURN
Mini Travel & Keychain Cards (2" × 2" Grid) Ideal for wristbands, backpack rings, or communication books
Desk
BREAK
Specials
BREAK
Travel
BREAK
Support
HELP
Finished
ALL DONE
Transition
WAIT
Prep Tip: Cut along the outer dashed lines. Add loop Velcro on the card back and hook Velcro to student's desk corner, schedule strip, and lanyard clip.
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Break Choices & Desk Station
Activity option icons, a parking station mat, and an instructional implementation guide
Regulation Options
Calming Break Choice Cards (Cut & attach to choice ring) Offer 2-3 choices to avoid choice overload
Sensory Toy
Fidget, putty, squeeze
Drink Water
Hydrate & swallow pause
Quiet Corner
Low light, soft rug
Deep Breaths
Inhale calm, exhale tension
Headphones
Calm tunes or noise reduction
Movement Walk
Hallway lap, gentle stretch
Desk Visual Mat: "Card Parking Spot"
Tape this box to the top corner of her desk
PLACE BREAK CARD HERE Communicates: "I am taking my break"
1 Hand or place card on the spot
2 Timer starts (2–5 minutes calm time)
3 Timer beeps ➜ Card returns ➜ Ready to work
Autism AAC Implementation Protocol (Staff & Family)
Immediate Reinforcement
In the first 2-3 weeks, honor every card presentation within 5 seconds without hesitation. This builds unbreakable trust that visual communication works.
Watch for Early Cues
Prompt her to hand the card at the very first signs of sensory overload or fatigue (e.g., squirming, sighs), before frustration or meltdown occurs.
Paired Visual Timer
Always accompany the break with a visual countdown timer (Time Timer or sand timer) so she knows exactly when break time ends and work resumes safely.
Designed for functional communication training (FCT) • Clean, non-distracting picture symbols • Page 2 of 2