Picture, Picture!

We use visual supports like a universal language, to help us clearly identify certain common items, warnings, rules, etc. Some examples of these visual supports that assist us in our day to day activities include the male/female sign on the toilet door, traffic lights to tell us when to ‘go’ and when to ‘stop’, red for hot and blue for cold water, etc. As adults we use symbols daily as icons on our computer or emoji’s in our text messages to recognise programs or express emotions.

Visuals can be particularly beneficial to support children with learning new skills, remembering things, carrying out familiar routines and other daily tasks. They give an alternative to verbal instructions which in some children is processed faster and easier, enhancing the communication process. Below are some different ways to use visuals with children.

Social Stories were originally developed by Carol Gray. They positively describe a situation or new skill including the desired behaviours or the steps involved. It’s helpful to include pictures such as cartoons or perhaps photos of the child and their environment. For example:

Visuals can be used to create a function sequence, such as the steps in a toileting routine. These can be helpful in a number of situations including learning new skills, remembering certain steps or what to do next.

When learning a new skill, it can be tricky to remember important information. This can become a barrier to independence, especially if safety is a concern. So visuals like how to use a tap can be helpful. A simple reminder which the child can refer to rather than needing adult instruction or verbal reminding.

Visuals are commonly used with behavioural management strategies. They can come in varied shapes and forms. Below are some examples commonly use in occupational therapy sessions. The ‘first & then’ chart helps show children what they need to do first to be able to do their chosen activity (the ‘then’).

Another great tool is a white board because it is so easily flexible. You can draw the activities that you need to complete that day and you can use the same board for more than one child, or to chart when activities occur, etc. Also by getting your children involved in putting on the pictures, drawing the numbers, or ticking off tasks, it helps keep them motivated and engaged.

Some of the many benefits of visuals are:

1. Increased engagement
2. Reduced need for verbal prompts
3. Attract and hold children’s attention
4. Help support children to learn abstract concepts
5. Facilitate independence

How do you use visuals in your family? What are you going to try tomorrow? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

Gray, C 2017, http://carolgraysocialstories.com/social-stories/, accessed 20 August 2017.

Touch Autism, 2017, Social Stories Creator and Library, https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/social-stories-creator-and-library/id588180598?mt=8, accessed 20 August 2017.

Rao, S & Gagie, B 2016, Learning through seeing and doing, Teaching Exceptional Children, < http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/004005990603800604?journalCode=tcxa >, accessed 20 August 2017, vol 38, no 6, pp. 26-33.

Victorian Continence Resource Centre, 2010, Tip sheet – Toileting Picture Steps for boys.

Dodd, Susan 2005, Understanding Autism, Elsevier Australia, Marrackville, NSW, Australia, pp 165.