For children on the autism spectrum, processing verbal information alone can often be challenging. Visual supports offer a powerful way to bridge this gap, making communication more accessible and environments more predictable. By incorporating images, schedules, or symbols into a child’s daily routines, child and family specialists can help parents and educators unlock new ways of engagement that encourage independence and reduce anxiety.
What are Visual Supports?
Visual supports are any imagery tools used to convey information that might otherwise rely on spoken or written language. These can take the form of picture cards, schedules, social stories, choice boards, or environmental labels. Visual aids create an alternative route for children who may struggle with verbal instructions by visually guiding them through steps, emotions, or expectations.
Why Visual Supports Work
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often think and understand the world in visual ways. Visual supports meet these children where they are, helping them process and retain information more effectively. For families, these tools offer structure and consistency, which can be a great source of reassurance for children with autism. Visual aids also benefit children’s cognitive development by reducing the cognitive load of remembering verbal instructions, enabling them to focus on understanding and completing tasks.
Key Benefits of Visual Supports
1. Encouraging Independence
By providing visual reminders or step-by-step instructions, children can complete tasks with minimal assistance. For example, using a picture-based morning routine chart allows children to see what’s next—brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast—without constant verbal prompting from a parent or caregiver.
2. Reducing Anxiety and Meltdowns
Transitions and new situations can be overwhelming for children with autism. Visual schedules or symbols make upcoming events predictable and less stressful. With visual aids, children can anticipate what’s coming next and prepare themselves accordingly, reducing the likelihood of sensory overload or emotional outbursts.
3. Enhancing Communication
For children with limited verbal abilities, visual supports offer a means to communicate their wants, needs, and emotions. Choice boards, for instance, allow children to point to images representing their preferences, facilitating interaction with their surroundings and reducing frustration due to communication barriers.
4. Supporting Social Understanding
Social stories and visuals depicting emotions help children with autism learn appropriate social responses. Seeing a series of images showing facial expressions, for example, can guide children in recognising emotions in others, thereby improving their own social skills.
Practical Tips for Using Visual Supports
1. Choose the Right Type of Visuals
The choice of visual support depends on each child’s unique needs and developmental level. Some children respond best to photographs or real-life images, while others may benefit from symbols or simple line drawings. Always consider the child’s abilities and preferences when selecting visual aids.
2. Start Small and Build
Introducing visual supports can be overwhelming if too much is presented at once. Start by incorporating visuals into one routine, such as a bedtime routine, and then gradually introduce them into other areas as the child becomes comfortable. Consistency is key to building familiarity and ensuring that visuals become a reliable part of the child’s routine.
3. Involve the Child in Creating Visuals
Engaging children in creating or choosing their visual aids can increase their interest and cooperation. For example, allowing a child to choose the pictures that represent their routine can instil a sense of ownership and motivation to follow the visuals.
4. Reinforce with Praise and Encouragement
Whenever children use visual supports effectively, make sure to reinforce this behaviour with positive feedback. Encouragement lets children know they are on the right track and helps build confidence in their ability to communicate and function independently.
5. Adapt as the Child Grows
As children’s skills and needs evolve, their visual supports may need to change accordingly. For example, a child may start with visuals that break down daily tasks into single steps and later move to a schedule that outlines an entire routine. Continually reassessing the child’s needs ensures that visual supports remain effective and relevant.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Consistency
Visual supports work best when used consistently across home, school, and other environments. This consistency can be difficult, especially when various caregivers are involved. However, keeping visual aids in places where children spend the most time can help establish a strong association between the visuals and the routines.
Durability
Young children may want to handle their visual aids, which can lead to wear and tear. Laminate picture cards or use durable materials when creating visuals to ensure they stand the test of time.
Maintaining Engagement
Over time, children may lose interest in their visual supports. Changing the design, introducing new images, or updating the supports to reflect their evolving interests can help maintain engagement.
Final Thoughts
Visual supports offer an invaluable resource for children with autism and their families. By implementing these aids thoughtfully, specialists can empower families to support their children’s communication, independence, and emotional regulation. Visual aids do not replace verbal communication but rather enhance it, giving children more ways to understand and interact with the world around them. Whether it’s a picture schedule that guides a morning routine or a social story that demystifies a new experience, visual supports provide simple, effective strategies for building confidence and easing daily challenges.
Learn more about the use of Visual Supports with 1-2-3 Magic® & Emotion Coaching, Special Needs Adaptation.
*please note you must currently be certified as a 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching practitioner to enrol.
Here is a list of references used to create the blog:
PubMed. (2015). Use of Visual Supports in Communication for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from PubMed
NSW Department of Education. Tips for Using Visuals in Inclusive Educational Programs. Retrieved from NSW Department of Education
Raising Children Network. (n.d.). Visual Supports for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from Raising Children Network
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). (n.d.). The Benefits of Using Visual Supports. Retrieved from Aspect
Autism Hub, Queensland Department of Education. (n.d.). Functional Behaviour Assessment Tool: Visual Supports. Retrieved from Autism Hub
PubMed. (2023). Visual Supports in Autism Intervention Programs. Retrieved from PubMed