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How do I use visual supports for autism to help my child communicate?
Communication can be challenging for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often requiring additional support to express their needs and understand the world around them. For parents, educators, and therapists, visual supports for autism offer a practical and effective way to enhance communication, aid daily routines, and foster independence.
Although communication difficulties are a common trait of ASD, the severity of symptoms varies across the spectrum. While some individuals with ASD can develop communication skills with support from professionals and caregivers, others may remain nonverbal throughout their lives and require additional communication tools and support to express their needs and desires.
In their efforts to support loved ones with nonverbal autism or severe communication difficulties, many parents and caregivers may come across visual supports for autism and wonder: How can I use visual supports for autism to help my child communicate?
In this ABA Centers of New Jersey blog, we will help you understand what visual supports for autism are, explore their benefits, and provide strategies on how to implement these tools effectively. By the end, you’ll have clear insights and strategies to empower your loved ones with autism.
What Are Visual Supports for Autism?
Visual supports are tools such as pictures, symbols, objects, or written words used to communicate ideas, instructions, or routines. They leverage the visual learning strengths of many individuals with autism to enhance understanding and engagement.
Common types of visual supports include:
- Pictures and Symbols (e.g., labeled images of objects or activities)
- Visual Schedules (e.g., a chart showing daily routines in sequence)
- Checklists (e.g., step-by-step instructions for completing tasks)
- Social Stories (e.g., storyboards that illustrate social scenarios or emotions)
Visual supports for autism simplify communication by replacing fleeting spoken instructions with consistent, tangible cues. For someone who is nonverbal or struggles with auditory processing, these tools are a game-changer.
Why Are Visual Supports Effective?
Individuals with autism often process visual information more efficiently than auditory input. Spoken words disappear as people say them, but visual supports remain, allowing individuals to engage with them for as long as needed. This permanence fosters understanding and reinforces key concepts over time.
According to the University of New Mexico, visual supports are effective for children with ASD for two main reasons.
The first is that most children with autism learn best through pictures and observation, even those who understand auditory information well. Using visual supports to communicate with your child taps into their natural way of learning and can reduce their frustration.
The second reason is that some children with ASD have difficulty processing language quickly. Words are only available for an instant when people speak them, and that time may not be long enough for the child to understand or remember them. In contrast, visual information remains available for as long as the child needs it, making it easier to understand and use.
For instance, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)—a widely used visual communication system for autism—is one example of these supports. Research has shown that tools like PECS for autism help many children develop communication skills, paving the way for greater independence.
Benefits of Visual Supports for Autism
Visual supports aren’t only practical; they have profound benefits when caregivers use them consistently:
- Improved Communication
For nonverbal or minimally verbal individuals, visual supports serve as an alternate way to convey needs, wants, or emotions. Tools such as picture cards or emotion boards enable self-expression where words may fall short.
- Enhanced Understanding
Breaking complex ideas or instructions into picture communication for autism makes understanding more digestible. For example, a “first-then” board showing “first finish breakfast, then playtime” reduces confusion and provides clarity.
- Fostering Independence
Visual supports for autism eliminate guesswork in completing tasks, teaching self-reliance over time. For example, a child might use a checklist to dress themselves each morning, building confidence through consistent successes.
- Reducing Anxiety
According to a study by the National Autistic Society, visual supports for autism can reduce anxiety, increase predictability, boost communication, and improve participation in daily activities. When individuals with autism know what to expect throughout the day, they can feel calmer and more secure. Visual schedules provide structure and predictability, helping reduce stress caused by unexpected changes.
- Strengthening Relationships
More straightforward communication and smoother daily interactions lead to better connections between families, teachers, and children, fostering trust and mutual understanding.
Types of Visual Supports and How to Use Them
- Pictures and Symbols
Pictures and symbols can label objects, illustrate actions, or communicate emotions. For example:
- Choice Boards allow individuals to point to options (e.g., choosing “milk” or “juice”).
- Emotion Cards help express feelings (e.g., “happy,” “frustrated”).
How to Use Them:
- Keep visual materials straightforward.
- Always pair the image with a word to reinforce language.
- Ensure the symbols align with the learner’s developmental level.
- Visual Schedules
Visual schedules outline daily or task-specific routines in a logical sequence, often using pictures or written steps. For instance, a morning schedule might include:
- Brush teeth
- Get dressed
- Eat breakfast
How to Use Them:
- Display schedules at eye level in a central location (e.g., a fridge or desk).
- Use Velcro strips to remove completed tasks easily.
- Adapt the schedule when changes occur to maintain trust and predictability.
- Checklists
Step-by-step checklists work well for breaking down tasks such as packing a school bag or completing homework.
How to Use Them:
- Keep instructions concise with simple wording or images.
- Allow the person to mark off completed steps for a sense of accomplishment.
- Social Stories
Social stories are short, customized narratives that explain social norms or prepare individuals for new experiences, such as visiting a doctor or attending a birthday party.
How to Use Them:
- Write the story from the individual’s perspective.
- Use positive language and visuals to clarify expectations and desired behavior.
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS for autism is a visual support tool for helping individuals with developmental disorders, and other communication challenges express their needs and ideas using pictures or symbols.
How to Use Them:
- Start by teaching the individual to exchange a picture card for an item or action they want.
- Gradually increase complexity by introducing sentence strips, allowing more detailed communication (e.g., “I want [item]”).
- Incorporate PECS into daily routines to encourage consistent communication efforts.
- Use authentic images, clear symbols, or customized visuals tailored to the individual’s preferences and understanding level.
Tips for Implementing Visual Supports for Autism at Home
While visual supports are highly effective, their success depends on thoughtful implementation. Here are some practical tips to get started:
- Personalize for the Individual
Tailor visual supports the individual’s age, preferences, and developmental needs. For example, if a child loves animals, use animal-themed visuals on choice boards or schedules.
- Keep It Simple
Limit the amount of information the visual support presents. Overcomplicating visuals can overwhelm and defeat their purpose. For instance, use one or two steps for younger children and build complexity as they become more comfortable.
- Be Consistent
Use the same types of supports across all environments (e.g., home, school, therapy). Consistency reinforces understanding and reduces confusion.
- Model Correct Usage
Show the individual how to use the support and walk through the process several times before expecting them to do it independently.
- Make It Durable and Portable
Laminate visual supports for longevity, and consider tools like mobile apps for on-the-go accessibility. For instance, a smartphone with a visual schedule or photos can seamlessly blend into everyday life.
If it’s within your budget, we recommend checking out resources like the Visual Support Starter Set by National Autism Resources.
- Learn From Your Child’s ABA Therapist
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can significantly improve communication skills in individuals with ASD. ABA therapists break down complex interactions into manageable steps and reinforce positive behaviors. Behavior specialists can incorporate visual supports directly into their sessions to help children better understand and express themselves.
Additionally, therapists play an essential role in guiding parents by providing strategies and training to use these visual supports correctly at home and in other environments. This collaborative approach ensures consistency and maximizes the child’s progress in developing critical communication skills.
ABA Centers of New Jersey: Empowering Communication Skills
ABA Centers of New Jersey provides specialized autism services to families in Woodstown, Trenton, Paterson, and several other areas of New Jersey.
During ABA therapy sessions, our therapists use visual supports to strengthen your loved one’s communication. We apply behavioral science-based techniques through customized plans that attend to the needs and goals of each client and their family.
At ABA Centers of New Jersey, visual supports can be a key tool in both ABA therapy and in the daily lives of those facing verbal communication challenges.
To learn more about ABA therapy and how it can improve communication skills, call us at (855) 640-7888 or contact us online. Your commitment to communication makes a difference.
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