Visual support ideas
Visual support: Hand washing steps
Washing hands is a chain of small steps with a lot of sensation: cold water, slimy soap, a splashing tap, a roaring dryer. For many autistic and neurodivergent students the chain breaks in the middle and the sink becomes a place to avoid, especially when the dryer is involved.
A step strip at the sink shows the chain in pictures at child height. The student can follow it without an adult prompting, and the strip stays long after the social story has faded. Match the cards to your sink, especially the tap type and whether you use paper towel or a dryer.
Sample cards
A typical set
- Wet Hands
- Soap
- Rub Hands
- Dry Hands
A sample made with HandsOnTop. Yours is written for your student.
The request is filled in. Choose how many cards, then click Generate.
30 free credits with an account — and one free try with none.
Tips for using it
- Mount the strip at the sink where the student stands, not on the mirror above eye height.
- Match the tap and the drying method to your bathroom.
- Keep the soap the same brand; a new smell can break the routine.
Common questions
How many steps should I use?
Six to eight: tap on, wet, soap, rub, rinse, dry, tap off. Choose eight cards if you want rubbing the backs and between fingers as separate steps.
Can I make a version with paper towel instead of the dryer?
Yes. Type "dry with paper towel" as the step and the card is drawn for that. Many students use the strip precisely because it lets them avoid the dryer.
Is there a matching story?
Yes. The washing-my-hands social story explains the when and why; the strip is the in-the-moment prompt. They are one click apart on the result screen.