Visual Supports in the Home
Visual supports in the home (also known as visual cues) can especially be helpful for children with Autism, especially when our schools are closed and they are home with us pretty much 24-7. However, they can be a big help for anyone, including for children with diagnosis other than Autism, and for the ones who are neurotypical.
They can be used at home, car, school, workplace, and public places such as the park, buses, restaurants. They can be used in the morning, afternoon, and night. So pretty much anyone, any place, and any time.
These are tools for helping someone to understand info, instruction, concept, and task. They might include but are not limited to written words, pictures, objects, and visual boundaries. They can also help with increasing compliance and reducing behaviors.
Why Use Visual Supports in the Home, Community, or at School?
- Most of us (children and adults) are visual learners, which means we do better when verbal info is paired with a visual one. Seeing the info, rather than just hearing it, helps us retain and process it. We have a better chance of remembering the info.
- They can be easily made.
- They give us a sense of control, such as knowing what will happen after we do our chores.
- They create predictability which can lessen our anxiety.
- They can promote independence. For example, we have a written list of our chores. We can look at the list to know what to do next and give it a checkmark after. This is more independent than someone telling us what to do for each step.
- They can lead to higher compliance and lower inappropriate behavior.
- They can be used pretty much for anyone, at any place, and at any time.
Disclaimer: The info here is for educational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as any kind of legal advice. This blog also contains affiliate links, and this site may receive a commission. I only endorse products that can be helpful to you and your family.
Examples of Visual Supports in the Home
Doing chores around the house:
For this, you can use a piece of paper or whiteboard. You can also buy a chart to hang on the wall or a magnetic dry-erase chart that you can put on the fridge.
Learning coping skills to deal with frustration and other not so fun feelings:
If you make one yourself, try to laminate to last longer. There are also lots of options out there for you to use, such as the "I Know What To Do" book and poster bundle, "The Should and Should Nots" photo cards book, or "The Coping Skills Game."
Making the daily routines more predictable:
You can create these routines yourself or get them already made, such as this visual schedule magnetic set that includes chores, routines, outings, appointments, and school activities. Or, this set of display boards with symbol cards consists of a variety of activities for home and when you're out in the community. If you want a set that can easily be carried around, this daily routine flashcard set can be a very good option.
Using “First…Then…”, also known as the Premack Principle, to increase motivation:
There are many ways you can create this on your own at home, by using copy paper, sticky notes, or a whiteboard. You can also get one already made for you such as these "First, Then" or "Now, Next and Later" boards that come with pre-printed picture communication symbols. Or you can get digital downloads, such as this combination of the "First, Then" section and token board.
Learning life skills to increase independence:
Visuals can help with breaking down steps that might seem hard or complicated to our children. You can create your own steps based on how you do things at home. Or, you can purchase resources such as the book "Steps to Independence" which offers a step-by-step guide to teaching different types of life skills. You can also get charts that you can put on the wall, such as these taking baths, tooth brushing, and hand washing charts.
Redirecting/prompting:
You can copy and paste pictures from the website for your prompt cards, or you can take photos to represent the prompts. You can also buy already made ones such as this portable set of picture communication symbols or this set that can also be used to teach basic phrases.
Using stories to learn:
You can create your own social stories using pen and paper or by typing and printing them out. You can also use stories ready for you to download and print, such as this social story explaining Covid-19 pandemic, buy books such as this one with over 150 social stories that teach everyday social skills to children and adults by Carol Gray, a social skills picture book for high school and beyond by Jed Baker, or this easy to use set of photo social stories.
Using a timer to make things more predictable:
You can use things you already have around the home, such as the kitchen timer or the timer in your home. Or you can get ones that can make time very visible to your children, such as this 60-minute visual timer or this set of hourglass sand timers.
Using token/reward chart to increase motivation:
You can create a token/reward chart yourself, even with just paper and pen. There are also many helpful options for you to buy, such as this set of punch cards with a hole puncher included in this token tower kit or these magnetic token boards. You can also get digital downloads, such as this caterpillar theme token board, or vehicles.
Figuring out boundaries or where to be:
You can use painter's tape, carpet marker strips, or carpet dots. If applicable, ask your child's teacher if they use any visual boundary prompt in the class, so you can try to use something similar at home.
Visual Supports in the Home Can Be a Life Changer
Yes, extra effort is needed at the beginning to create and gather the necessary materials. However, this effort is so worth it. When your child can understand you better and their anxiety is lower, the chance is that you will have higher compliance. This means less time and energy needed for them to follow through.
You can create them using the old-fashioned way by writing them down, drawing, cutting, pasting, or looking around your home for materials. You can search online, print, laminate, dry-erase markers, sheet protectors, dry-erase markers, use stickers, add Velcro or magnet pieces. There are many different ways to do this.
If you haven’t given these a try, give it a go. You might be surprised by how helpful these can be.
Stay connected with me, so I can update you with any new info, tips and freebies.
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