A visual support refers to using a picture or other visual items to communicate with a child who has difficulty with social interactions, understanding or using language, remembering a sequence of events, transitioning from an activity to another, and so much more! Visual supports can be photographs, drawings, objects, written words, or lists. Research has shown that visual supports work well as a way to communicate with children with ASD, but they are not limited to this category. I am a visual learner, so I am all about pictures, visuals, and anchor charts in my room!
THE INCREDIBLE 5 POINT SCALE
The Incredible 5 Point scale allows students to visualize their feelings on a 5 point scale and make appropriate choices based at each level. The bulletin board visual lists the activity choices that students have for each level, by using both pictures and print in an attempt to meet all students’ needs and functioning levels.
TOKEN ECONOMY
Token boards are a simple and visual method of structuring and providing reinforcement for a certain behavior exhibited by a student. They can be used to teach children how to defer gratification and/ or to address specific behavior issues.
CHOICE BOARDS
Choice boards are excellent visuals used in conjunction with token boards to regulate a student’s behavior and promote independence. A choice board is a visual tool that allows a student to select between two or more choices.
FIRST- THEN VISUALS
A First-Then board is a visual display that explains the order of two activities, in which a non desirable activity, like Math, has to happen before a child can be engaged in a preferred activity.
CONTINGENCY MAPS
Contingency behavior maps show a visual representation of appropriate and inappropriate behavior choices a student can make and the consequences of their choices.
VISUAL TIMERS
Visual timers help students to stay on task, and also assist with organization and concentration.