When we use visual strategies for autism, it helps students succeed. We use visual tools to accomplish a purpose. Perhaps we use something visual to help a student understand a situation. Maybe we provide a visual prompt so a student can accomplish a task more independently.
Think of the PURPOSE of a visual tool.
Defining the student's NEEDS guides the decision about what kind of tool to use. Identifying the purpose of a visual tool helps us know how to use it.
Is your school or home environment set up to provide the visual support your students can benefit from?
Is your school or home environment set up to provide the visual support your students can benefit from?
How many of these functions are accomplished in your environment with visual tools? As you look at the list, count how many ways your students currently receive visual support.
1. Establish attention
Looking at something can help students establish attention better than just listening. Once they have focused their attention, the rest of the communication message can get in.
2. Give information
How do students get information to answer the who, what, why, where, when questions?
3. Explain social situations
The social world can be confusing. People are moving, changing & unpredictable. Giving social information by writing it down helps students understand.
Read more here from Linda Hodgdon (who we hope to have return to Montana.)
