🧠AI Summary:
Visual supports—like pictures, symbols, schedules, and “First-Then” boards—help children with autism understand expectations, reduce anxiety, follow routines, and communicate more confidently. This blog explains why visual supports work, the different types to use at home or school, and simple steps to get started.
Why Visual Supports Matter in ABA Therapy
Many children with autism make sense of the world better when information is visual rather than verbal. According to the guide (pp. 2–3), visual supports help in three essential developmental areas:
1. Social Understanding
Children with autism may miss unspoken social cues.
Visual supports show them:
- How to start or respond to conversations
- What behavior is expected in a situation
- How to navigate social routines
For example: pictures of saying “hi,” waiting, or taking turns.
2. Receptive & Expressive Communication
Many children struggle with understanding spoken instructions or expressing wants and needs.
Visual supports:
- Make instructions clearer and reduce frustration
- Provide a reliable way for children to communicate
- Lower problem behaviors caused by misunderstandings
3. Coping With Change
Children with ASD often rely on routines and predictability.
Visual tools help them:
- Understand what comes next
- Prepare for transitions
- Feel safer and less anxious in unfamiliar situations
Types of Visual Supports (and How to Use Them)
1. First-Then Boards
A First-Then Board helps a child see, “First I do ___, then I get ___.”
Helpful for:
- Transitioning to non-preferred tasks
- Building motivation
- Teaching the foundation for multi-step directions
Parents choose a simple “first” task and a motivating “then” reward, present the visuals, use very few words, and always follow through with the reward so the child learns to trust the system.
2. Visual Schedules
A visual schedule shows the order of activities—morning routine, bedtime routine, or an entire day.
Benefits
- Breaks tasks into steps
- Eases transitions
- Reduces anxiety
- Encourages independence
Schedules can be:
- Picture-based
- Written
- On a wall, fridge, clipboard, or tablet
Children learn to “check the schedule,” complete a step, and transition to the next activity.
3. Visual Rules & Parameters
These are visuals that help set limits, boundaries, and expectations—such as:
- A STOP sign on a door
- A “wait” card
- Symbols showing when something is “not available”
- Pictures showing how many items (ex: snacks) are allowed
These supports clarify rules that may feel invisible to a child with autism.
Handling Challenging Behaviors
Across all tools, the guidance is consistent:
- Stay focused on the task—not the behavior.
- Continue prompting the child through the activity.
- Always provide the reinforcing activity if it was promised.
- Start with easy tasks to build success.
If problem behaviors increase, the PDF suggests considering consultation with a behavioral professional—exactly what ABA therapy at On Target ABA provides.
Why Visual Supports Fit Naturally Into ABA Therapy
At On Target ABA, visual supports are part of nearly everything we do because they:
- Create predictability in a child’s day
- Strengthen independence
- Reduce overwhelm and frustration
- Build communication skills
- Make learning clearer and more engaging
Whether we’re teaching daily living skills, communication, social skills, or emotional regulation—visual supports give structure, clarity, and confidence.
How Parents Can Start Today
You don’t need complex materials. Try:
- A simple First-Then chart
- A morning routine checklist
- A bedtime schedule with pictures
- A STOP sign for boundaries
- A “wait” card with a short timer
Start small—and celebrate each success!