Visual Supports

Visual supports are a fantastic way of helping young people with autism make sense and order out of an often confusing world.  They are commonly used in educational settings but can be of equal, if not more, use in the home.

There are numerous benefits to using Visual Schedules with individuals with Autism and there is also significant research supporting their use for individuals on the Autism Spectrum . A Visual Schedule can be the key to increasing independence and managing anxiety for students with Autism. This can make a huge difference to the child and in turn diminish meltdowns, anxious behavior and foster positive growth.

Verbal instructions or directions only last for the split second they are given.  A child with autism can often be distracted elsewhere, or by focussing on one particular word used in the instruction.  Visual schedules can offer the following advantages:-

Utilizing your child's visual strengths, therefore providing a receptive communication system to increase understanding;

Helping your child to learn new things, accept new challenges and broaden their interests;

Providing tools that allow your child to use skills in a variety of settings;

Increasing your child's flexibility and ability to orient within the world;

Assisting your chid to remain calm and reduce inappropriate behaviours; and

Developing independence and resulting self-esteem.

My approach to visual aids is a dynamic one.  They are not to be put in place to be left `because they are working.'  They need to be constantly reviewed and updated as your child matures and develops.  Just as a visual timetabe for a Y1 class would look very different to a school timetable for a Y10 pupil, so the visual supports used in the home can change and develop over time.

I offer a range of options to suit the individual needs of the child.  I can support in putting in visual aids for short individual tasks, such as going to the toilet; for longer periods of time, such as morning routines before going to school and evening routines leading up to bedtime; and for even longer periods of time which can often lack the structure, such as weekends and school holidays.

An initial one hour consultation to discuss your requirements is £30.  I can then produce materials to your specifications and review your child's needs at the same pro-rata rate.