VISUAL
STRATEGIES
Bill Nason, LLP
Behavior Specialist
Billnason@yahoo.net
Written Lists & Schedules
We Rely On Visual Strategies To Organize Our Day
Why Visual Strategies?
Poor auditory processing
Delayed information processing
Problems with working memory
Difficulties organizing information
Visual information is more concrete, literal,
and clear.
• Many children with ASD are visual learners;
thinking in pictures.
• For nonverbal children pictures can be a
communication tool.
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Children With Disabilities
Visuals Provide:
Clarity and predictability to routine.
Helps organize child’s world.
Provides concrete, visual information.
Helps communicate expectations and
consequences.
• Helps child communicate needs and wants.
• Reduces anxiety and behavior problems.
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ACTIVITY
SCHEDULES
Visual Schedules and Routines
Bedtime Routine
Pajamas
Brush
Toilet
Wash Hands
Story
Bed
Visual strategies can help crystallize the patterns of
routine. Helps child “see” what is coming up and in
what order.
Jimmy’s Morning Schedule
Permanent
Before Dinner
After Dinner
Activity
Hang Up Coat
Dishes to Sink
Schedule
Feed Dog
Use magic
marker to check
off each task as
completed.
Load Dishwasher
Put Shoes Away
Take Trash Out
Homework
TV
Computer
Snack
Master Schedule
To Be Done
Finished
Velcro Board
Have child transfer pictures
from one side to the other,
as tasks are completed.
Or
Place pictures in an
attached envelope.
Master Schedule
Using Portable
Schedules
Portable Schedule
Portable schedules allow you to break
down the master schedule into simple
routines, ending with a preferred
activity.
Master Schedule
Chain Routines
Into Schedules
Each sequence ending with a
preferred activity.
Work from one routine to
another.
Always End With Preferred Activity
(Reinforcer)
Always try to end with a reinforcing (preferred) activity
If needed, start with “First and then”, and gradually
add on.
Then build larger schedules of several smaller routines.
Using Reinforcers
• Build in frequent reinforcers into picture routine.
• Use picture reinforcement menu.
• Have child pick the item/activity he wants at that
time
• Place the item on the board as visual reminder.
• If not providing immediate reinforcer, than use a
token system (star chart or tokens to carry).
Reinforcement Menu
Computer
DVD
Toys
Cards
MP3 Player
TV
Video Games
Reading
Sally’s Star Chart
=
Choice Of Reward
Sally earns a star for each day she completes her picture schedule
TASK
SEQUENCES
Visual Task Sequence
Brushing Teeth
Combining Schedules and Task Routines
Activity schedules tell
you what to do.
Activity Schedule
Task sequences show
you how to do it.
Task Sequence
Wet Hands
Soap Hands
Rinse Hands
Wash Hands
Turn Water Off
Dry Hands
NOW & NEXT
AND
CHOICE BOARDS
Now and Next Boards
First
Then
Bath
Computer
First we do ________, then we do __________.
Usually a nonpreferred task, followed by preferred task.
If child is resistant, start with preferred/preferred, then move to a
nonpreferred/preferred.
Then begin to expand to three sequence (now, next, and then).
Teach By Chaining
=
First
Now
Picture Exchange: Child exchanges picture
for something they want.
Then
Next
Then
Now and Next board: First ___, then ___,
to get preferred item.
Now, Next, and Then board: Chain three
tasks together.
Simple Routine Board: four or five picture
routine.
Master Schedule: Series of simple routines
on master schedule.
Choice Boards
“Do you want…..”
Start with two options.
Chore Chart
Dust
Sweep
Vacuum
Mirrors
Laundry
Dishwasher
Build in four or five
opportunities a day.
Gradually expand choices.
Taking It Into
The Community
Community
Gas
Bank
Grocery
McDonalds
Portable Schedule
Grocery Shopping
Grocery store
Sally rides horse
Sally push cart.
Mom gets items,
Hands stay on cart.
not Sally.
Load groceries
Drive home
Pay for groceries
Play computer
Grandpa’s Birthday Party
Talk With Grandparents
Eat Dinner
Drive Home
Play With Dutches
Play Game Boy
Birthday Cake
Open Presents
Play Computer Game
TEACHING CONSEQUENCES
REDUCING BEHAVIOR
PROBLEMS
Teaching Consequences
Angry
Hitting
Talk with adult
No computer
Everyone Sad
Solve Problem
Everyone Happy
When I Am Angry
Angry
Talk to adult
Write in journal
Happy
No hitting!
Jump on tramp.
Getting Started
• Determine type of visuals: written, line drawing,
clipart, photos, etc.
• Determine type of use: schedules, task sequences,
instruction sheets, choice menu, reinforcement
chart, consequence sheet, behavior options, etc.
• Determine type of representation: Picture board,
portable boards, picture ring, baseball card pages,
picture books, etc.
• Materials: Poster board, valcro or magnetic tape,
lamination or contact sheets, etc.
• Start simple, build gradually.
Resources
Pictures: Magazines, Catalogs
www.images.google.com
www.images.yahoo.com
www.clipart.com
www.do2learn.com
Digital Camera
Software:
Boardmaker, Picture It, Visual
Essentials (www.silverliningmm.com)
Books:
“Visual Supports for People with Autism”,
Cohen & Sloan
“Making Visual Supports” Savner and Myles