Introduction to Visual Supports

For a child with an autism spectrum disorder, communication is a significant challenge, and even the simplest directions can come and go too quickly for her/him to process and comprehend. Because of this, understanding what’s happening during their days and why changes occur in their routines can be challenging. They may have trouble switching from one activity to the next and understanding why they cannot do something they want to do at a particular time.   A visual support can really help in understanding messages.  By making auditory information visual, visual supports can organize a sequence of events, supplement verbal instruction, and cue communication.

Visual supports for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders enhance their comprehension of what is going on, promote their self-expression, help them to organize their thoughts and materials, and enable them to follow routines without assistance, thereby encouraging independence.

Examples 

Visual supports take various forms, including written words, pictures, gestures and objects in the environment.

Examples of visual supports that are useful include picture/written schedules, countdown charts, choice boards, and first/then boards.