The Benefits of Visual Supports for Children with Autism

The Benefits of Visual Supports for Children with Autism

Visual supports are non-verbal ways for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to communicate their needs and make sense of the world around them. Children with autism benefit from using visual supports for a variety of reasons. A nonverbal child can use a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate his/her needs.
A child who benefits from routine and knowing the order of the day might use a visual calendar or schedule to familiarize himself/herself with upcoming events. A child who struggles with transitions such as leaving his/her home and getting on the school bus or tidying up toys might find pictures illustrating the appropriate steps helpful.

Visual supports can help children with autism find effective ways to communicate using visuals rather than auditory information. Most children with ASD are visual learners. The University of New Mexico’s Center for Development and Disability says “Using visual information to communicate with your child is taking advantage of how children with ASD naturally prefer to communicate and can reduce their frustration.”

Visual supports can help children with autism find effective ways to communicate using visuals rather than auditory information. Most children with ASD are visual learners. The University of New Mexico’s Center for Development and Disability says “Using visual information to communicate with your child is taking advantage of how children with ASD naturally prefer to communicate and can reduce their frustration.”

The importance of visual aids for autism

Visual aids expand a child with autism’s ability to interact with his/her surroundings. They can give children a sense of autonomy and allow them to make choices and express needs. Visual aids also help children comprehend daily rhythms and have input in their activities. Perhaps most importantly, visual aids can open lines of communication between children with ASD and their caretakers.
Families who previously struggled to understand their child’s needs, endured meltdowns, and tried to reassure anxious children, can find some respite in opening lines of communication. Most importantly, children can learn how to express their desires, ideas, personalities, and wishes in a way they could not before.

Communication aids for autism

Communication aids offer children with autism a way to be active participants in their daily lives. Each child’s preferred method of communication will be unique, and it is likely to evolve as he/she transitions into new developmental phases. Some children might respond well to illustrated picture cards while others may find videos or digital photographs more helpful. Communication aids can change along with your child’s needs.

A child who starts with simple illustrated cards showing a thumbs up or thumbs down might learn to use cards with more variation including phrases like “I don’t like that,” “That’s not what I wanted,” “I would like more,” or “I am happy today.” It is important to note that using visual communication aids has not been shown to prevent children from developing speech; rather it more frequently helps children to form the foundations of verbal communication.

References

Autism Therapies and Solutions – The Ultimate Guide. (2018, December 6). Retrieved from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-therapies/

How To Start. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://card.ufl.edu/resources/visual-supports/howtostart/

Schedules. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://card.ufl.edu/resources/visual-supports/schedules/

The Effectiveness of Visual Schedules for Kids With Autism. (2014, February 6). Retrieved from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/effectiveness-visual-schedules/

Using Lego and Other Visual Supports to Help Autistic Children Understand Emotions. (2015, June 11). Retrieved from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/lego-and-emotions/

What is the Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS? (2002). Retrieved from https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/What-is-the-Picture-Exchange-Communication-System-or-PECS

Visual Supports for Children With ASD. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cdd.unm.edu/autism/pdfs/Visual Supports PHT Parent Handout.pdf

Autism Parenting Magazine tries to deliver honest, unbiased reviews, resources, and advice, but please note that due to the variety of capabilities of people on the spectrum, information cannot be guaranteed by the magazine or its writers. Medical content, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained within is never intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read within.