Using Visual Supports
Description of the video:
Visual Support Tips: Video Summary
Many adults teach their children by telling them what to do and how to do it. This way of teaching does not match the way autistic children learn. Children with autism learn best when they see what are supposed to learn.
- Teach your child how to do activities by using pictures and words that give step by step instructions. These visuals also necessary remind your child of the steps to follow. Think of these visuals as preparing your child to use a to do list when they are older.
- Visuals can be used throughout your house.
- In the bathroom, a visual over the sink can show the steps in washing hands. Another can show the steps in brushing teeth. A visual near the toilet shows how to use it and wipe.
- In the kitchen, a placemat shows where to place the cup, bowl, and silverware. A line on the bowl shows how far to fill it up with cereal.
- Use a visual list. A visual list is a list of activities that the child needs to do. The last activity is usually something that is fun or reinforcing for your child. The activities can be shown in pictures, drawings, and words.
- Use a Visual Timer. Many children with autism have difficulty understand the concept of time. The visual timer shows time in a colorful way. It is an easy way for children, even those who do not read, to begin to understand things, such as “How much time until dinner?” or “How much time do I have on my electronics?”.
Visual Supports
Visual Supports can be made using Google images, photographs, or drawings.
Download/Print Pre-Made Visual Supports
Articles and Video to Learn More About Visual Supports
If you would like to read more about visuals supports, click on the link below:
- https://www.ecbehaviorsupports.com/using-visual-supports-at-home/
- https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/doc/using-visual-schedules-for-parents.pdf
If you would like to watch a short video on using visuals supports, click on the link here:
Examples of Visual Supports
Labels for toys and other items around the house.
A card with handwritten words and drawing that is clipped to the refrigerator can help a child know when it is time to play and when it is time for a snack.
A picture sequence by the sink can remind a child of the steps to wahsing hands.
Use numbers and pictures to show a child how many activities he will be doing outside before it’s time to be done and go inside.
Visual timers help show the passage of time. When the color is gone, it’s time to clean up the toys.
A picture seqence can be used to help complete a nighttime routine.