The Bottom Line
Pros
- Large, nicely produced photo cards
- Tough laminate keeps cards clean and usable
- Can be customized with your own photos, words
Cons
- Somewhat large for some uses
- Relatively pricey
Description
- Customizable, laminated picture cards.
- May contain up to five lines of text.
- Terrific tools for visual communication and teacing.
- Available on the web only.
Guide Review - Product Review: Goosie Cards for Children with Autism
When the makers of "Goosie Cards" approached me, I was skeptical. Why would someone want to pay $28 for a set of 10 laminated picture cards when so many wonderful photos are available for free on the web? In fact, though, the cards are so nicely made - and the customizing process is so simple - that my mind was changed.The cards, which are nicely packaged in a reusable storage box, come 10 to a set. You can order them through the Goosie Cards Website, which operates a bit like Snapfish and other similar sites. You can select from their galleries of common objects and ideas, or upload your own custom photos. Then, you add words.
The biggest advantages to these cards are their size (easy to grab and use), their sturdiness (they are laminated with really solid, non-toxic plastic), and the fact that they can reflect the people, places and things of a child's real life. As a result, they are perfect for visual communication: Pre-verbal kids (or adults) can select the card that relates to their particular needs or concerns, and simply hand it to a parent or caregiver. Another big plus is that cards can contain up to five lines of text - enough to provide directions or instructions for a simple activity.
While their size (4 1/2 x 7 inches) is great for young children, Goosie Cards are too big to use in a communication book. They're also too pricey ($28 per 10 cards) to customize on a large scale. But for parents of a child with autism - or for a teacher with a small group of children on the autism spectrum - Goosie Cards have the potential to be a terrific tool for communication and instruction.
