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Visual Supports

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Summary

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Visual supports, such as pictures, symbols, charts, and videos, enhance communication and learning for individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities, fostering independence and engagement. These aids assist in organizing thoughts, planning actions, remembering information, and expressing needs and preferences, providing valuable alternatives to verbal instructions.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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Who can benefit from visual supports?

Visual supports can benefit people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, communication disorders, and other learning disabilities, as well as individuals with cognitive or memory impairments, anxiety, or sensory processing issues.

What are some common types of visual supports?

Some common types of visual supports include visual schedules, social stories, communication boards, visual timers, memory books, job task analysis charts, and sensory cue cards.

What are the benefits of using visual supports?

Visual supports can increase understanding, independence, confidence, engagement, and social interaction, as well as reduce anxiety, confusion, and behavioral issues. They can also enhance learning, communication, and quality of life for individuals with communication and learning difficulties.

How can visual cues enhance therapy sessions for children?

Visual cues in therapy, such as using a visual timer or communication board with pictures, enable children to express their emotions and needs effectively, promoting a more engaging and communicative therapeutic experience.

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Scientific Definition

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Visual supports, like pictures, charts, and videos, aid individuals with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia in communication and learning. For parents, a visual schedule with pictures guides routines, a visual timer helps manage time, and a choice board facilitates decision-making. These tools organize thoughts, aid memory, and express preferences. Additionally, visual cues improve social interactions and reduce anxiety. For instance, visual supports outline expected behavior, social rules, and emotions. Implementing these in daily life fosters independence and confidence in individuals.

Video Explanation

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How Would You Use Visual Supports to Assist a Child?

If you’re working with a child with ADHD like Billy, visual supports can make a big difference in helping him stay on task and feel more at ease. Here are some practical ideas:

Visual Support Description
Visual Schedule Create a schedule with pictures of each activity to help Billy anticipate and transition between activities throughout the day.
Social Story If Billy feels nervous about physical therapy, create a social story using pictures and simple language to explain what happens during a typical session, reducing anxiety.
Communication Board Help Billy express wants and needs by creating a communication board with pictures of everyday items and actions for easy communication, like “drink water” or “go to the bathroom.”
Visual Timer Utilize a visual timer, like a sand timer or digital timer with a visual display, to help Billy manage time and stay focused during therapy sessions, providing a clear understanding of time remaining for each activity.
Memory Book Enhance Billy’s memory and reinforce learning by creating a memory book with pictures and notes of the skills he’s learning, allowing him to review and practice at home.

By tailoring visual supports to Billy’s specific needs, his teacher and therapist can help him better understand information, communicate effectively, and engage in activities with greater independence and confidence.

How Do Visual Supports Work?

Visual supports are valuable tools for individuals with communication and learning difficulties. Let’s explore how visual support can be applied in different real-world scenarios:

  1. Classroom: Students with ADHD can benefit from a visual schedule that helps them stay focused and remember their tasks.
  2. Autism: Social stories are useful for individuals with autism to understand new situations and social rules.
  3. Dyslexia: Implementing a color-coded system assists individuals with dyslexia in organizing notes and retaining essential information.
  4. Therapy: Visual cues enable children to express their emotions and needs effectively during therapy sessions.
  5. Communication Disorders: Communication boards aid individuals with communication disorders in effectively communicating with others.
  6. Healthcare: Picture symbols can help patients indicate their pain levels or communicate their medical needs.
  7. Cognitive Impairment: Memory books serve as a valuable resource for individuals with cognitive impairment, helping them remember important information and events.
  8. Workplace: Job task analysis charts are beneficial for employees with learning disabilities, breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps.

Visual supports are versatile and can be adapted to meet individuals’ unique needs across different situations and settings.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 20, 2023. It was updated on Nov. 10, 2023.

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