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Visual Supports
Definition
A strategy that uses tools that includes concrete items, pictures, symbols, and printed words. Those tools are effective in enhancing the Also known as..

understanding of language, environmental expectations, and to provide structure and support for individuals with disabilities.
Why use Visual Supports?
Students with some disabilities, especially the ones on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often develop stronger visual skills than auditory skills. They are visual learners and visual supports help provide language and environment structures visually. Visual supports can greatly decrease anxiety and stress levels of those students. Visual supports help increase independence in the students. This strategy can also improve appropriate behaviors in those students.

Visual Cues Visual Aids Visual Displays

Examples of Visual Supports

Visual Schedules Visual rules Visual procedures Visual processes Visual Boundaries

Visual Supports can help students with

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Learning Disabilities Intellectual Disabilities Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Language Disorders and Delays Hearing Loss Developmental Disabilities English Language Learners

Implementing Visual Supports

Tips for the classroom Break down tasks into steps by doing a task analysis Find or create a picture for each step Put the pictures in the order as the steps Define boundaries Set room dividers, place tape or footprints on the floor to set boundaries and placements for certain procedures Consider the need to use objects to represent appropriate times for routines
(i.e. students stay in seats when lamp is on)

Tips for the teachers When introducing any kind of visuals, model if necessary Consider the possibility of using visual supports with everyone Laminate the visual supports for extra security Consider adding Velcro to the back of the visuals and adding a Velcro strip on the wall Use prompts and reinforcers to encourage students to use visual supports

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Examples of Visual Supports

It can be used for anything and everything! Visual Boundaries

FirstThenVisuals Reminder Signs

Visual Display to help students express how they feel

References
Boutot, E. A., & Myles, B. S. (2011). Autism Spectrum Disorders: foundations, characteristics, and effective strategies. Boston: Pearson. Dettmer, S., Simpson, R. L., Myles, B. S., & Ganz, J. B. (2000). The Use Of Visual Supports To Facilitate Transitions Of Students With Autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 15(3), 163-169. Johnston, S., Nelson, C., Evans, J., & Palazolo, K. (2003). The Use Of Visual Supports In Teaching Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder To Initiate Interactions. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 19(2), 86-103. Murdock, L., & Hobbs, J. (2011). Tell Me What You Did Today: A Visual Cueing Strategy for Children With ASD. Focus Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 26, 162-172.