Brief Understanding in Using Visual Aids
Individuals on the autism spectrum tend to learn best using visual supports rather than through auditory input. It not only helps process information better, it also aids in retaining the necessary information.
Types of visual support
A wide range of items can be used as visual supports. For example:
Photographs
Short videos
Miniatures of real objects
Coloured pictures
Line drawings
Symbols
Written words
These can be on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
How can visual supports be used?
With visual supports you can:
Create daily/weekly schedules
Show sequential steps in a task such as a bedtime routine or getting dressed
Colour coding a message, eg the person takes a yellow card from their pocket when they need to go to the toilet, or puts purple card on the board when they’re feeling stressed
To make a choice between activities
To illustrate a social story or comic strip conversation.
What is the best way to use Visual Supports
There is a hierarchy to using visual supports. Start with matching
an object to object,
then object to picture,
then picture to picture.
You begin with using the actual object matching to the same object. Once that is mastered, then match an object to a picture. This helps the child understand that a picture can be a representation of an object. Finally, you can match a picture to a picture.
Some ways to maximise the use of visual supports
Ensure Portability by:
Using a visual supports app on the person’s tablet
Storing photos and pictures on the person’s smartphone
Putting symbols, pictures and schedules in a folder for the person to carry with them.
Check for Durability
Laminate printed visual supports.
Back up any app, photos and pictures you use on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Ensure easy access
Placing them in prominent places at eye level
Putting them on an actual object
Having a shortcut of the app on the tablet home screen
Attaching symbols to boards so that people know where to go to look at them - you could also use Velcro strips to attach symbols to a board, meaning schedules can be easily altered, eg activities removed once completed.
Personalising
Visual supports are very personal and what works for one person may not work for another. Use the person’s special interest, eg a visual timetable could be made in the shape of a rocket.
Being Consistent
As much as possible use a particular style of visual support (for example, line drawings), consistently. Ask family members, friends, teachers or support workers to use the same visual supports consistently.
When do I stop using visual supports for my child with Autism?
All of us use some sort of visual tool to create schedules and keep ourselves organized. Similarly, using tools to create visual schedules for individuals on the spectrum creates predictability which lessens anxiety.
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