By Jennifer Lingle, M.Ed.
Children with Autism are typically visual learners. They learn by seeing and not necessarily by hearing. If you find yourself giving directions repeatedly, and your child is not complying, you may want to consider using visual strategies. Even if you think your child is familiar with his schedule, your house rules, and the steps involved in completing a task, providing him with visual tools sets him up for success.
Visual tools can be picture strips, written instructions if your child reads, or a combination of pictures and words. You can use them at home, in school, and in the community. You can make your own visual tools by cutting out pictures from magazines and newspapers, or you can take photos of your child while doing a task and use the pictures in a visual schedule. At the end of this article is a link to our website where you can find more information on visual strategies and custom-designed visual tools.
Schedules
Visual schedules reinforce structure and routine. They help your child understand what is happening next in his day and help in recalling past events. You can use photographs, symbols, and/or words, depending on the need. You can try breaking up the schedule into morning and afternoon routines. Review the schedule with your child in the morning. Have him check off, or in some way visually remove each event as it is completed. This will minimize confusion, and help your child clearly know what to expect throughout his day.
1. Home schedule
Include activities such as mealtimes, bathroom time, chores, outings, quiet time, and homework time. Try including sensory activities throughout his schedule also, especially before and after in-seat activities.
2. School schedule
I hope that your child has a visual schedule at school so that he knows what to expect in that setting. If not, you can send one in for him or request that his classroom teacher create a schedule. School routines usually stay the same. However, it is still important for your child to have a school schedule to prepare him for changes (i.e. fire drills, special assemblies, playground cancelations because of inclement weather, etc).
3. Community schedule
You can minimize meltdowns in the community by showing your child photographs of places you are going. Review the pictures with him before you leave the house, before you get out of the car, and throughout your outings. Be sure to place a photograph of your home at the end of the photo series to ensure that your child understands he will come back home afterwards.
Task Strips
Post task strips at eye-level in convenient places that are visually accessible to your child. Review a task strip with him before an activity occurs. Verbalize each step while pointing to the pictures from left to right. After some time, stop saying the words and simply point to each picture to show your child the next step. The task strip will then be the only reminder he needs to complete a task. The goal is for your child to complete different chores and tasks independently.
4. Bathroom task strip
Place the bathroom task strip above the toilet paper roll in your bathroom. If you have a son, be sure to have two strips, one for standing and one for sitting. Include pulling down pants and underwear, sitting down, wiping (from front to back for girls), flush the toilet, and wash your hands.
5. Washing hands task strip
Place this task strip above the sink in all bathrooms in your house. You may even consider taking a washing hands task strip with you when out in the community to remind your child of the steps involved. Include turn on the water, put soap on your hands, rub your hands together and count to 30, rinse your hands, dry your hands, and turn off the tap.
Rules
Post rules in a convenient and visually accessible place for your child. Verbally review the rules with your child before an activity occurs, pointing to the pictures from left to right. Then review the rules again during the activity. After some time, you can stop saying the words and only point to each picture to remind your child what to do next. Always present rules positively. You can describe what is not expected, but be sure to end the rule with what is expected. For example, “Don’t hit others. NO! Keep your hands to yourself.” Commend your child when he follows the rules. Point to the rule and say, “I love the way you are keeping your hands to yourself. Good job!”
Here are some rules that you can include in your daily routine:
6. House rules
Decide on your house rules, and place the rules throughout your home. By visually posting the rules, you are reminding your child of your expectations. You are setting him up for success. You can include rules such as use a quiet voice, keep your hands to yourself, follow adults’ directions, say please and thank you, and use kind words.
7. Car rules
Car rules can include keep your hands inside the car, wear your seatbelt, sit straight in your seat, and use a quiet voice. Review the rules before you start the car. While driving, if your child is following the rules, be sure to praise him. “I love the way you are keeping your seatbelt on.”
8. Community rules
Community rules can include stay close, hold my hand, listen to me, use a quiet voice, and keep your hands to yourself. Review the rules for different places before you leave your home, before you get out of the car, and while you are in the new location. If your child is following the rules, be sure to lavish praise on him.
9. Playtime rules
Playtime rules may vary for different places. For example, when your child is playing at home the rules are different from when he is playing at the playground. Be sure to review the rules before playtime at any location. Playground rules can include wait your turn, go down the slide feet first, and stay close to Mom.
10. Work-time rules
You can use work-time rules with your child during homework time or in-seat activities. Work rules can include sit in your seat (or sit on the ball, stand at table), use your quiet (or inside) voice, and look at your paper.
For more on visual strategies and custom-designed visual tools, visit http://autismconsultingandtraining.com/autismproducts/autismvisualstrategies/
Editor: Ymkje Wideman