Visual supports have long been foundational tools across therapy domains. From Occupational Therapy (OT) to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), these aids help clients—especially children—navigate routines, communicate needs, and participate meaningfully in therapy. Common tools include visual schedules, social stories, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) boards. These supports offer structure, clarity, and predictability, reducing anxiety and enhancing engagement.
Traditionally, however, creating these supports has been a time-consuming task. Therapists often rely on pre-made clipart libraries or manually designed visuals, which may not fully represent a client’s cultural background, personal interests, or environment. For instance, a visual sequence for toothbrushing may only feature characters of a single ethnicity or depict routines unfamiliar to the child. This disconnect, while subtle, can impact the effectiveness and relatability of therapy materials.
This is where generative AI offers a powerful solution. Tools like Midjourney, Veo 3, NightCafe Studio, Fotor AI Art Generator, Dream by Wombo, and StarryAI allow therapists to generate personalized, contextually relevant visuals in seconds. By simply entering a description—such as “a child brushing their teeth with diverse family members in a home bathroom”—therapists can instantly create visuals tailored to a client’s daily routines, preferences, and cultural identity.
Benefits of Using Generative AI for Visual Supports:
Time Efficiency
Generative AI tools dramatically reduce the time needed to produce custom visuals, allowing therapists to spend more time on clinical work and less on material preparation.
Personalization and Cultural Relevance
Visuals that reflect a client’s ethnicity, environment, or family structure foster stronger engagement. When children see themselves represented, their motivation and sense of connection increase.
Inclusivity
Clients from diverse linguistic, cultural, or neurodiverse backgrounds benefit from visual supports that are tailored to their realities—not just generic templates.
Flexibility
With generative AI, therapists can quickly adapt visuals to match changing therapy goals, environments, or client needs without being bound to a fixed image library.
Client and Family Empowerment
By involving clients and caregivers in describing the visuals they want to see, therapists promote collaboration, personalization, and a sense of ownership over the therapeutic process.
How to Start Using Generative AI Tools for Visuals:
Veo 3 – [deepmind.google/technologies/veo]
Developed by Google DeepMind, Veo 3 generates cinematic, realistic, and context-aware video visuals—ideal for creating dynamic step-by-step guides or routine modeling.
Midjourney – [midjourney.com]
Operates via Discord and uses prompt commands such as:/imagine a boy brushing teeth in a colorful bathroom with Arabic design
It produces artistic, detailed visuals suitable for social stories or routine visuals.
NightCafe Studio – [nightcafe.studio]
User-friendly drag-and-drop interface, supports multiple AI models, includes mobile access, and offers free credits. Great for accessible and varied visual generation.
Fotor AI Art Generator – [fotor.com]
Part of an online photo editing suite. Allows beginner-friendly image generation in styles like cartoon, watercolor, or oil painting—ideal for younger clients.
Dream by Wombo – [dream.ai]
Mobile and web-based. Enter a prompt, pick an art style, and create an image—simple, intuitive, and quick for therapists on the go.
StarryAI – [starryai.com]
Offers customization (aspect ratio, detail level, style). Designed for easy social media sharing or integration into therapy boards and educational materials.
Reflective Question
How might culturally relevant, generative AI-created visuals improve client engagement and inclusion?
When clients see characters who look like them, performing routines they recognize, visual supports become more than instructional tools—they become affirmations of identity. For non-verbal children using AAC, personalized image boards feel less clinical and more intuitive, encouraging spontaneous communication and deeper connection.
As generative AI becomes increasingly accessible, therapists are uniquely positioned to revolutionize how visual supports are created and used. Embracing these tools thoughtfully can promote inclusion, engagement, and stronger therapeutic outcomes—while saving valuable time in the process.