Visual supports are tools that are used to increase the understanding of language, environmental expectations, and to provide structure and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). They facilitate understanding by remaining static or fixed in the individual's environment. If verbal language, which is considered transient or fleeting, is the only method used to communicate expectations, provide support and increase an understanding of language, then individuals with ASD may have extreme difficulty.
Individuals who have ASD often times develop stronger visual skills than auditory skills. Visual supports allow them to use this visual strength to process, organize, remember, and respond to information thereby allowing the individual to more easily participate in the communicative process. Visual supports also allow important information to remain accessible in the individual's environment. This can greatly reduce the stress levels and inappropriate behaviors that individuals with ASD may exhibit when they cannot effectively communicate or when they do not understand the expectations of the environment.
Visual supports are commonly used to communicate choices, organize daily schedules, give directions, explain rules or expectations, aide in transition, or provide appropriate actions to individuals with ASD.
Snack choices
Visual schedule
Hodgdon, L. (2000). Visual Supports for Improving Communication. QuirkRoberts: Troy,
Michigan.
McClannahan, L. E., & Krantz, P. J. (1999). Activity Schedules for Children with Autism.
Woodbine House: Bethesda, MD.
Use Visual Strategies
Beyond Autism PECS
Pictures/Icons Pages
Do 2 Learn
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