Can’t you picture your kids splashing around in that water park? I know I can. I can hear their laughter and the water spraying as they run about. But for some kids, this world of imagination isn’t as accessible. Their brains are wired differently, making processing and understanding information unique. Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are visual learners. This may be because visual information is more concrete and lasts longer than spoken or heard information. Visual learning can help autistic children process information and choose how to respond. In this blog post, we will explore how parents and caregivers can support visual learning for autistic children.
Table of Contents
What is Visual Learning?
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly does “visual learning” mean for kids with autism? Imagine this: your kiddo is sitting in class, trying to focus as the teacher explains how to solve long division. Some kids may quickly grasp the concept by listening to the teacher’s instructions and following along on the example she writes on the board. However, for an autistic child, the mix of spoken words and numbers on a white background can be confusing and overwhelming. This is where visual learning comes to the rescue. Visual learning means understanding and retaining information best through pictures, videos, diagrams, and other visual cues. It’s a bit like seeing the solution to a math problem rather than hearing about it.
Why Visual Learning Works for Kids with Autism
Think about it: our world is filled with visuals! Whether street signs directing traffic or the vibrant pictures in a picture book, visuals are powerful communication tools. For children with ASD, who often struggle with auditory and social cues, visuals provide a clear and consistent way to learn and understand the world.
Here’s why it works:
Clarity: Visuals offer a clear picture of what’s expected, reducing confusion from spoken instructions or abstract ideas.
Permanence: Unlike spoken words, which disappear as soon as they’re said, visuals can be revisited and reviewed, helping kids learn at their own pace.
Processing Time: Many kids with ASD need extra time to process information. Visuals give them that space, allowing them to absorb concepts without the pressure of quick verbal responses.
Read more: How to Teach Child To Use Visual Schedule
How to Enhance Visual Learning for Autistic Children
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here are some simple ways you can support visual learning for autistic children:
Visual Tools
Schedules and Routines: Visual schedules filled with images or photos create a predictable routine that helps reduce anxiety and allows kids to anticipate what’s coming next.
Picture Books: Reading visually engaging books together promotes literacy and helps children connect words to pictures, expanding their vocabulary.
Social Stories: Simple visual stories that break down social situations can be game-changers for helping children with ASD understand and practice social skills.
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
Tips for Using Visuals
Start Simple: Begin with visuals with just a few straightforward elements, gradually increasing complexity as your child gets more comfortable.
Make It Personal: Use photos or drawings of your child, familiar places, and favorite toys to make learning more engaging.
Be Flexible: Explore different visual supports (photos, videos, charts) to see what works best for your child.
Visual Learning Success
Remember how I mentioned that water park? Well, last week, I took my nephew, who has autism, for a bit of adventure. At first, the noises and the crowds were overwhelming for him. But before we went, we made a visual schedule together, with pictures of everything we would see and do. As we went through our day, he kept referring to our schedule, visibly calmer because he knew what to expect. That was a huge win – a testament to the power of visual learning!
Goally | Routines that Actually Work
Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. See it in action:
Visual learning is a transformative tool that can empower autistic kids to better understand and navigate the world. It’s about giving them the tools to learn in ways that fit their unique strengths. By incorporating visual aids into your child’s daily life and tailoring them to their individual needs, you can open up new possibilities for communication, learning, and confidence.
Sources
Autism Speaks: Visual Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorder – A comprehensive resource guide on the benefits and applications of visual supports.
The Hanen Centre: Why are Visual Supports Important for Children with Autism – Explores the benefits of visual supports, with practical examples for parents.
National Autism Center: Evidence-Based Practice: Visual Supports – Provides in-depth information about visual supports, including evidence-backed strategies
FAQ’s About Visual Learning for Autism
What is visual learning? Visual learning is a learning style where a person understands and retains information best through pictures, videos, charts, and other visual aids. Why is visual learning helpful for children with autism? Visual learning offers clarity, permanence, and allows for extra processing time, which are all beneficial for many children with autism. What are some examples of visual learning tools? Visual learning tools include picture schedules, social stories, videos, and charts. How can I create visual supports for my child? You can use websites like Visuals2Go or Boardmaker, or create your own visuals using photos and simple drawings. How do I know if visual learning is working for my child? You'll likely see a reduction in anxiety, improved understanding of tasks and routines, and increased confidence in communication.
This post was originally published on 04/13/2023. It was updated on 02/23/2024.
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