 | Parents and teachers say that visual supports can be like magic with children with communication difficulties. Here’s what visual supports are and the secret to their success. |
Children with speech and language difficulties or autistic spectrum disorder often have difficulty responding to spoken words and tend to learn visually. A word disappears in split seconds, but an object or picture is permanent giving the child longer to process the information. Visual supports help us adults to slow down, use simple language and keep our choice of words consistent. This will help your child to understand what you are saying and to learn new words.
What are visual supports?
Visual supports can be objects, photos, pictures or drawings. You can use an object to support your spoken language e.g. a cup to show your child it is time for a drink. Pictures or photos can be used once a child is able to recognise these. Photos are easier for children to recognise than pictures. Always say the word with the object or picture.
How can visual supports help?
Visual supports help a child:
- Respond to language and follow instructions.
- Learn new words.
- Fit in with family or school activities.
- Understand what is going to happen and anticipate change.
- Make transitions from one activity to another more easily.
- Learn how to do things independently.
- Make choices.
- Understand emotions and feeling.
My child understands words. Why does he need visuals?
Even when your child is able to use words to communicate, visual supports are great if your child has a strong need to do things their own way. Using visual timetables will enable your child to understand and fit in with your timetable such as for bedtimes, getting out to school, or joining in with family routines.
Will my child like the visual supports?
Most children love them immediately because they like the predictable structure and they feel less anxious about what is going to happen next. However the occasional child may not like them at first, because they are a change from normal routines. Persevere so that the child has a chance to get used to the new schedules. Remember that this is about the child learning to fit in with others and not for them to choose the pictures themselves!
Getting started with visual supports
Look out for my next blog on how to get started with visuals.
More information on visual supports
The book “More Than Words,” by Fern Sussman available in the UK from Winslow Press has an excellent chapter on using visual supports called “Visual Helpers”
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