Benefits of Using Visuals

April 17, 2023

Benefits of Using Visuals : : Build Skills & Confidence

Benefits of Using Visual Tools


Children with autism benefit by the use of visual tools in many ways, including:

  1. Promoting independence in social interactions among peers
  2. Implementing routines
  3. Increasing comprehension for daily tasks


Types of visual tools can include, but are not limited to:

  • First/Then Boards: First/then boards are great to use as a motivator to complete non-preferred tasks for a preferred task, they are also good to use for building foundational skills as a step by step method.


  • Visual Schedules: Visual schedules can be utilized in various ways- building morning & nighttime routines, tasks to complete within a session, & step by step ADL tasks such as bathing, dressing, brushing teeth.


For children who struggle with change or have rigidity with daily routines, visuals are a great way to allow the child to know what’s next. Knowing what's next can reduce anxiety & the fears surrounding unexpected events.


If you think your child can benefit from a visual schedule, contact your child’s occupational therapist. Your occupational therapist can work with your concerns and your child to help build appropriate, personalized schedules.


Resources
https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-08/Visual%20Supports%20Tool%20Kit.pd

https://www.optometrists.org/childrens-vision/vision-therapy-for-special-needs/autism-vision/how-do-visual-supports-help-people-with-autism/

Snacklaces

June 4, 2025
Exposing children to food through various activities like cooking, coloring and sensory play/projects enhances their understanding of food, leading to healthier eating habits. Try a sensory project, like making snacklaces!

Kids in the Kitchen

May 27, 2025
A Fun Way to Introduce Your Child to Food!

Selective Eating: Say this, not that!

May 14, 2025
Our Registered Dietitian (RD) has some practical tips to incorporate into mealtime for a more successful, enjoyable child-food relationship. The goals of these interaction are to create a positive relationship with food, enjoy happy meal times, reduce anxiety, reduce battles surrounding food, and fitting all types of food into a healthy lifestyle.

What is Apraxia?

May 1, 2025
Apraxia is a motor speech disorder. Childhood apraxia of speech is a rare, but lifelong disorder that makes it difficult for individuals to move their mouth muscles in order to speak. The important thing to note about Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is that the child knows what they want to say, but may struggle with connecting the brain to the muscles that must accompany speech.

Selective Eating

April 30, 2025
If you have a child who is a selective eater, learn about some time-tested eating tips including: nutrition guidelines, tips for parents during meal times, and types of food children tend to enjoy. Try a combination of these tricks and find what will work best for your family.

Celebrating Liam’s Inspiring Journey of Recovery: A Testimony of Faith, Family, and Resilience

April 29, 2025
In a world often filled with uncertainty, Liam, a courageous six-year-old boy, has proven that faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of family can overcome even the most daunting challenges. His journey began on December 11th, 2023 when Liam fell down the stairs. What was thought to have been a seemingly innocent incident, quickly spiraled into a life-altering spinal stroke. Within moments, Liam went from a lively child full of energy to being paralyzed from the neck down, which left his family in shock, grappling with fear and confusion as they navigated the unknown.
Show More