How visual supports Can Help Your Child Succeed
At Empower Autism Omaha, we know that children learn and communicate in different ways. One powerful tool we often use in ABA therapy is visual supports. These tools can make routines, transitions, and communication easier for children with autism, helping them feel more confident and in control.
What Are Visual Supports?
Visual supports are images, symbols, or text that help children understand what’s expected of them. They can include:
- Schedules: A series of pictures or words that outline a routine, like getting ready for school or bedtime.
- Choice Boards: Visuals that allow a child to pick between activities or items, fostering decision-making skills.
- Reminders: Cue cards or signs that provide instructions or steps for completing a task, such as handwashing or packing a backpack.
How Do Visual Supports Help?
For many children, processing visual information is easier than following verbal instructions. Visual supports:
- Clarify Expectations: They show what’s next, reducing anxiety and helping children transition between activities.
- Increase Independence: By following visual cues, children can complete tasks without constant prompts from adults.
- Enhance Communication: Visuals can bridge the gap when children struggle to express themselves verbally, reducing frustration.
Tips for Using Visual Supports at Home
- Start Simple: Begin with a few visuals that address a specific challenge, like morning routines or requesting items.
- Keep It Consistent: Use the same images and wording across settings to reinforce understanding.
- Make It Engaging: Involve your child in creating their visuals, using pictures or themes they like.
- Fade Supports Gradually: As your child becomes more independent, reduce reliance on the visuals over time.
How Empower Autism Omaha Personalizes ABAHow Empower Autism Omaha Incorporates Visual Supports
We create individualized visual supports tailored to each child’s needs and preferences. During therapy, we teach children how to use these tools and guide parents in incorporating them at home, ensuring consistency and success across environments.
How Empower Autism Omaha Incorporates Visual Supports
We create individualized visual supports tailored to each child’s needs and preferences. During therapy, we teach children how to use these tools and guide parents in incorporating them at home, ensuring consistency and success across environments.
Final Thoughts
Visual supports are more than just pictures—they’re bridges to understanding, independence, and confidence for your child. If you’d like to learn more about creating or using visual supports, we’re here to help. Contact us today to explore how these tools can make a difference in your child’s daily life!