Frequently Asked Questions About Children on the Autism Spectrum and the Use of Visual Aids
by Margo Takacs
What are visual aids?
Pictures of daily events, referred to as a picture schedule, enable children to predict the events of their day. They assist children by letting them see, hear and then do the event. Picture schedules also ease anxiety for children, who have difficulty transitioning from one activity to the next. Visual aids promote healthy social emotional development for all children, especially those on the autism spectrum. They can be used with a whole group and/or for an individual child. Picture schedules can be made from digital photos (with parental consent) or from pictures through software (Boardmaker) and websites (www.do2learn.com). Below is one type of example using Microsoft Word Clip Art.
Breakfast Story Time Restroom Art Activity
How can Picture Schedules Assist with Transitions?
Children on the spectrum like routine and have difficulty when there is a change in their routine. By using a picture schedule one can show the child the change by removing the picture and replacing it with another picture. For instance, using the above example, show to the children that instead of art today they will have a math activity. Then replace the picture of art with the picture of a math activity.
to 
How do visuals benefit all children?
Picture schedules enable all children to feel more secure and empowered by knowing what to expect. They can learn independence, initiative, social skills, self-regulation and healthy attachments. Not to mention the challenging behaviors of other children may decrease by using this strategy as well. Every teacher knows that children learn through various modes of learning whether it be visual, auditory or tactile. Visuals aids are tools that address each learning style because children can see, hear and then do.
When is the best time to use a picture schedule?
Review the schedule everyday as part of the morning routine. The beginning of the day is the most opportune time to introduce the schedule. It is a good way to begin and give a general overview of what the day will look like. One may need to refer to the picture schedule a few times throughout the days to give visual cues for the next activity or event. Reviewing the schedule is also good for recalling events as a recap of the day.
Where can I find pictures?
Microsoft Clip Art
Boardmaker (available for checkout at the Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center)
Google Images-www.google.com
What are other visual aids that I can use in my setting?
Other visual aids include the following: individual picture schedules, first and then boards, direction and choice boards.
Where can I attend an Autism Training?
Trainings on the Autism Spectrum and Classroom Strategies are available through the Lower Shore Early Intervention Program @ Salisbury University. For information on scheduling or attending an Autism Training, please call 410-677-6590. If you just have questions please call and one of the Behavior Interventionists would be happy to assist you.
Margo Takacs is a Behavior Interventionist with the Lower Shore Early Intervention Program @ Salisbury University. Serving children ages birth to five, the program provides early childhood behavior interventions, assessments, and educational services for child care providers, families, early educators and mental health clinicians. For more information, contact the Lower Shore Early Intervention Program at: 410-677-6590.