Using Visual Support
Visuals to Aid Communication
Visual supports are essential tools that help children with communication challenges. These supports include pictures, symbols, objects, gestures, signs, and written words. They make communication clearer and more accessible for children, especially those with learning difficulties, autism, or communication delays.
What Are Visual Supports?
Visual supports are items that can be seen and used to aid communication. Examples include pictures, symbols, objects, gestures, and written words. They help children understand and express themselves more effectively.
Why Visual Supports Are Helpful?
Our words disappear instantly when we speak, but visual supports remain in place. This permanence gives children extra time to understand and respond. Visual supports also help children express their needs and reduce frustration by providing clear, consistent cues.
Types of Visual Supports
Real Objects
Using real objects can help children understand and communicate better. For example, showing a bag while saying "time for school" allows the child to connect the word with the object. Choosing between two objects, like an apple or a cracker, can also aid decision-making and communication.
Gestures and Body Language
Gestures and body language are natural ways to support verbal communication. Simple actions like nodding or shrugging can help convey meaning. Children can use gestures to communicate needs or emotions, enhancing their ability to interact with others.
Signing
Signing systems like Makaton and Signalong can be used to support communication. These systems combine signs with speech, providing a visual and auditory way for children to learn and communicate. They are often taught by speech and language therapists.
Visual Timetables
A visual timetable represents a child's daily routine using pictures or symbols. This helps children understand what to expect and prepares them for changes. It can reduce anxiety and make transitions smoother.
Labels
Labelling objects with pictures or symbols helps children recognise and find items independently. This can be particularly useful for organising personal spaces like bedrooms or classrooms, fostering independence and tidiness.
Choosing the Right Visual Support
Each child is unique, so it is essential to select visual supports that work best for them. Consider what the child enjoys and responds to. Consulting a speech and language therapist can provide personalised guidance.
Benefits of Visual Supports
Memory Aid
Visuals aid memory by providing a concrete reference. Activities like "What's Missing?" help children practice visualising and remembering details, which can enhance both memory and descriptive skills.
Auditory Processing
Visuals support auditory processing by linking spoken words to images. This connection helps children better understand and retain information. Adapted books with pictures can be beneficial in this regard.
Expressive Language
Visuals can help build expressive language skills by providing visual cues for sentence structure. Tools like picture flip books can make learning fun and interactive, encouraging children to form and expand sentences.
Articulation and Pacing
Using visuals can aid articulation by reducing the linguistic demands on children, allowing them to focus on sound production. Visuals can also help with pacing, guiding children to slow down their speech for clearer communication.
Self-Monitoring
Visual reminders of expected behaviours can help children stay on task and manage their actions without constant verbal prompts, creating a more focused and calm learning environment.
Conclusion
Visual supports are powerful tools that greatly enhance communication for children with various needs. By incorporating pictures, gestures, and other visual aids, parents and educators can provide clearer, more consistent communication. This helps children understand and express themselves better and supports their overall development and independence.
For more information you can visit Speech and Language Org Visual Supports
