Extract from a guide published by Autism Speaks
What are visual supports?
A visual support refers to using a picture or other visual item to communicate with a child who has difficulty understanding or using language. Visual supports can be photographs, drawings, objects, written words, or lists. Research has shown that visual supports work well as a way to communicate.
Visual supports are used with children who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) for two main purposes. They help parents communicate better with their child, and they help their child communicate better with others.
This brochure introduces parents, caregivers, and professionals to visual supports and provides instruction on how to use them effectively. Visual supports can be used with persons of any age, although this brochure refers to children. Also, visual supports can be used by caregivers other than parents.
Why are visual supports important?
The main features of ASD are challenges in interacting socially, using language, and having limited interests or repetitive behaviors. Visual supports help in all three areas. First, children with ASD may not understand social cues as they interact with others in daily activities. They may not grasp social expectations, like how to start a conversation, how to respond when others make social approaches, or how to change behavior based on unspoken social rules. Visual supports can help teach social skills and help children with ASD use them on their own in social situations.
Second, children with ASD often find it difficult to understand and follow spoken instructions. They may not be able to express well what they want or need. Visuals can help parents communicate what they expect. This decreases frustration and may help decrease problem behaviors that result from difficulty communicating. Visuals can promote appropriate, positive ways to communicate.
Finally, some children with ASD are anxious or act out when their routines change or they are in unfamiliar situations. Visuals can help them understand what to expect and will happen next and also reduce anxiety. Visuals can help them pay attention to important details and help them cope with change.
First – Then Board
What is it?
A First-Then Board is a visual display of something your child prefers that will happen after completing a task that is less preferred.
When is it helpful?
A First-Then Board is helpful in teaching children with ASD to follow directions and learn new skills. A First-Then Board motivates them to do activities that they do not like and clarifies when they can do what they like. A First-Then Board lays the language foundation needed to complete multi-step directions and activities and to use more complex visual systems.
How do I teach it and use it?
Decide what task you want your child to complete first (what goes in the “first” box) and the preferred item or activity (what goes in the “then” box) that your child can have immediately after the “first” task is done. This preferred item/activity should be motivating enough to increase the likelihood that your child will follow your direction.
Put the visuals on the board (e.g., photos, drawings, written words) that represent the activity you identified. Present the board to the child with a brief, verbal instruction. Try to use the least amount of words possible. For example, before beginning the “first” task, say, “First, put on shoes, then swing.” If needed, refer to the board while your child is doing the task. For example, say “One more shoe, then swing” when your child is almost done. When the “first” task is completed, refer back to the board. For example, say “All done putting on shoes, now swing!” and immediately provide the preferred, reinforcing item or activity.
In order to teach children with ASD the value of the First-Then Board, you must give them the reinforcing activity or item after they complete the “first” task. Otherwise, your child may not trust the board the next time you use it.
Visual Schedule
What is it?
A visual schedule is a visual representation of what is going to happen throughout the day or within a task or activity.
When is it helpful?
A visual schedule is helpful for breaking down a task that has multiple steps to ensure the teaching and compliance of those steps. It is also helpful in decreasing anxiety and rigidity surrounding transitions by communicating when certain activities will occur throughout the day or part of the day.
How do I teach it and use it?
After your child understands the concept of sequencing activities through the use of a First-Then Board, you can develop a more complex schedule for a series of activities during the day.
Decide the activities that you will picture in the schedule. Choose activities that really will happen in that particular order. Try to mix in preferred activities with non-preferred ones.
Put on the schedule the visuals (e.g., photos, drawings, written words) that show the activities that you have identified. The schedule can be portable, for example, on a binder or clipboard, or it can be fixed to a permanent place, like a refrigerator or wall. Your child should be able to see the schedule before beginning the first activity on the schedule. It should continue to be visible to your child during the rest of the activities.
When it is time for an activity on the schedule to occur, cue your child with a brief, verbal instruction. For example, say “Check the schedule.” This helps your child pay attention as the next activity begins. At first, you may need to physically guide your child to check the schedule (e.g., gently guide by shoulders and prompt your child to point to the next activity on the schedule). You can gradually decrease physical prompts as your child begins to use the schedule more independently. When a task is completed, cue your child to check the schedule again, using the procedure described above, and transition to the next activity.
Provide praise and/or other positive reinforcement to your child for following the schedule and for transitioning to and completing activities on the schedule.
It may be helpful to use a timer that your child can hear to make transition times clear to your child. Mix variability into the schedule by introducing a symbol that represents an unknown activity (e.g., “oops” or “surprise activity”).
Begin to teach this concept by pairing this with a positive activity or surprise. Gradually use this for unexpected changes in the schedule.