As a parent of a child enrolled in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, you may
have heard the term ”
visual supports”
used often. Visual supports, such as schedules,
timers, and charts, are powerful tools that can significantly help children with autism
navigate their daily routines. These tools not only promote structure and consistency
but also help reduce anxiety, manage transitions, and improve communication skills.
In this blog, we’ll explore how visual supports can make a positive impact on your
child’s daily life and offer practical tips for integrating them into your home
environment.
What Are Visual Supports?
Visual supports are tools that use pictures,
symbols, or written words to communicate
information. For children with autism or
developmental delays, visual supports can
be especially helpful because they provide
clear, consistent, and predictable cues that
can enhance understanding and reduce
reliance on verbal instructions alone.
Visual supports are often used in ABA
therapy because they promote
independence, minimize frustration, and
create a structured environment that helps
children feel more in control.
Why Visual Supports Are Important
Children with autism often struggle with
transitions, changes in routine, or tasks that
require multi-step instructions. When faced with
these challenges, they may experience anxiety,
become overwhelmed, or engage in challenging
behaviors. Visual supports help by providing a
visual representation of what is happening next,
making abstract concepts more concrete, and
giving your child a clear guide for the day.
Using visual tools helps your child understand
expectations, feel prepared for transitions, and
gain confidence in navigating their environment.
Plus, visual supports help reduce anxiety by
eliminating the uncertainty of what’s coming
next.
Types of Visual Supports and How to Use Them
Visual Schedules
A visual schedule is one of the most effective tools
you can use to provide structure and predictability.
Visual schedules show the sequence of activities
throughout the day using pictures or icons that
represent each task. This tool helps your child
understand what to expect, reducing anxiety about
transitions and making daily routines easier to
manage.
How to Use It:
Create a schedule that is simple and easy to follow, using pictures,
symbols, or written words (depending on your child’s abilities). For
example, a morning routine might include images of brushing teeth,
getting dressed, eating breakfast, and putting on shoes.
o Place the schedule in a visible spot, such as on the wall or a
bulletin board. Update it as needed and make sure your child knows
where to find it.
o Reinforce positive behavior when your child follows the schedule.
Praise them for completing tasks, such as getting dressed without
prompt.
Timers
Timers are excellent tools for helping your child
understand how much time is left for a specific
task or activity. Timers are particularly useful
for managing transitions between activities
and setting clear expectations for how long
your child will engage in an activity.
How to Use It:
Use a visual timer (such as a sand timer or an app with a
visual countdown) that shows how much time is left for a
specific activity. For example, you could set a timer for 10
minutes during playtime, signaling that when the timer goes
off, it’s time to clean up.
o Pair the timer with a verbal cue, like “We have 10 minutes
to play, and then it’s time to clean up.”
o Allow your child to watch the timer as it counts down so
they can anticipate the transition. This can help reduce
resistance and make the transition feel less abrupt.
Behavior Charts
Behavior charts are a great way to track
progress, reinforce positive behaviors, and
give your child visual feedback on their efforts.
These charts help create a visual record of
your child’s accomplishments, making it easier
to celebrate successes and identify areas
where more focus is needed.
How to Use Behavior Charts:
Use a chart with symbols, stickers, or checkmarks to track specific
behaviors or goals. For instance, you could create a chart to
encourage your child to complete morning tasks like brushing teeth,
putting on shoes, and eating breakfast.
o Set up a reward system where your child can earn stickers or
tokens after completing tasks. Once they reach a certain number of
stickers, they can earn a reward like extra playtime or a favorite
activity. Celebrate your child’s success by acknowledging their
progress and providing praise. Positive reinforcement builds
motivation and strengthens desired behaviors.
Tips for Making Visual Supports Effective
- Be Consistent: Consistency is key when using visual supports. Ensure that the visual schedules, timers, and charts are used regularly and remain in the same place. This will help your child become familiar with them and rely on them as a source of structure.
- Customize for Your Child’s Needs: Adapt the visual supports to suit your child’s level of understanding. For younger children, pictures and symbols may be more helpful, while older children may benefit from written schedules or charts. Keep the visual aids simple, clear, and relevant to your child’s daily routines.
- Reinforce and Celebrate: Reinforcement is important for building positive behaviors. Celebrate your child’s successes by praising them for using the visual supports and completing tasks. This positive reinforcement will help them associate the visual tools with success and motivation.
- Be Patient: While visual supports can significantly improve transitions and reduce anxiety, it may take time for your child to fully adjust. Be patient, provide encouragement, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Visual supports are a powerful tool for improving transitions,
reducing anxiety, and increasing independence for children with
autism. By incorporating visual schedules, timers, and behavior
charts into your home routine, you can help your child better
understand their day, reduce uncertainty, and gain confidence in
completing tasks. With consistency, patience, and positive
reinforcement, these visual aids can make a significant
difference in your child’s progress and overall success.