Hi, my name is Robbie, and I’m a father of four. Three of my children are autistic, and one of them is also non-verbal. Like many parents of neurodivergent children, I’ve witnessed first-hand the daily challenges they face—especially in busy, unfamiliar, or overwhelming public environments.

One of the biggest barriers for my non-verbal child is communication. When we visit places like parks, shopping centres, leisure attractions, or even hospitals, there’s often no way for him to express his needs, preferences, or emotions. When a child can't communicate, especially in stressful or overstimulating settings, it can lead to frustration, meltdowns, or even physical distress—not because they’re being “difficult,” but because the world isn’t set up to understand them.

That’s why I’m calling on local councils, public space designers, and government bodies to install Communication Boards in public spaces across the UK.

What are Communication Boards?
Communication Boards (also called AAC boards or symbol boards) are visual tools that display simple words, pictures, or symbols. They allow non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals to point to images to express what they need—whether it's "toilet," "help," "stop," or "I need a break." These boards are used in schools, clinics, and homes across the country, but they are rarely seen in public areas—where they are arguably needed most.

Why this matters:

Inclusion should not stop at the school gate. All children and adults—regardless of how they communicate—deserve access to public spaces.
Meltdowns aren’t misbehaviour. They’re often a result of unmet communication needs and sensory overload. A communication board can de-escalate these moments before they even begin.
They support more than just autistic children. Non-verbal children, those with learning disabilities, stroke survivors, and individuals with temporary or permanent speech impairments all benefit.
They educate the public. Normalising these boards fosters understanding and compassion in our communities.
Our children deserve to be heard—even if they can’t speak.

Every park, shopping centre, museum, and public building should have access to a clear, inclusive communication board at child height. It’s a simple, low-cost solution that can dramatically improve the day-to-day lives of thousands of families like mine.

By signing this petition, you are helping us send a strong message: communication is a basic human right—and it’s time our public spaces reflect that.

Thank you for supporting neurodivergent children, their families, and inclusive communities.

— Robbie Barnes
Father, Author, Advocate