The best visual support depends on your needs. Visual schedules work great for daily routines. Choice boards help with making decisions. Picture cards (PECS) are perfect for people who don't talk much. First-Then boards make transitions easier. Each person is different, so the right visual support is the one that fits your goals and learning style.
Visual supports are powerful tools that help people understand and communicate better. They work especially well for people with autism, brain injuries, memory problems, and developmental disabilities. But with so many types out there, how do you pick the right one?
Why Visual Supports Matter So Much
Visual supports change lives. They make the world easier to understand and help people share their thoughts and feelings.
How Our Brains Love Pictures
Our brains process pictures much faster than words. Research shows that people remember things better when they see and hear them together. For people with autism and developmental disabilities, visual learning is often their strongest skill.
Most people with developmental disabilities are visual learners. They understand what they see better than what they hear. Words disappear quickly, but pictures stay. You can look at a picture as many times as you need.
The Real Benefits People See
Visual supports help in many important ways:
- Less Worry and Stress: Knowing what comes next makes people feel calmer
- Better Communication: Pictures help people share what they want and need
- More Independence: Visual supports let people do things on their own
- Smoother Transitions: Moving from one activity to another becomes easier
- Better Behavior: Clear expectations help reduce problem behaviors
- Stronger Skills: People learn new tasks faster with visual help
Studies show that visual supports reduce anxiety, increase predictability, and improve participation in daily activities. When parents used visual supports at home, they reported better quality of life and fewer autism-specific difficulties.
The Main Types of Visual Supports
Let's look at the most popular visual supports and when they work best.
Visual Schedules: Your Daily Roadmap
Visual schedules show what happens during the day using pictures or words. Think of them like a map for your day.
How They Help:
- Show the order of activities
- Reduce worry about what comes next
- Make transitions smoother
- Build independence
Best For:
- Daily routines at home or school
- People who get anxious about changes
- Anyone learning to follow a schedule
- Kids and adults with autism ordevelopmental disabilities
You can make schedules simple or detailed. Some people need to see the whole day. Others do better with just two or three activities shown at once.
Choice Boards: Making Decisions Easier
Choice boards let people pick what they want from a group of options. The choices are shown as pictures, symbols, or real objects.
Why They Work:
- Give people control over decisions
- Help people with limited language express preferences
- Build decision-making skills
- Increase confidence
Perfect For:
- Choosing snacks or activities
- People who struggle with spoken choices
- Teaching independence
- Anyone who needs time to think about options
When someone hears choices out loud, they might miss some options or forget them quickly. With a choice board, all the options stay visible. People can take their time and look as many times as needed.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS uses picture cards in a specific teaching method. People learn to give a picture card to ask for what they want.
How It's Special:
- Teaches communication step by step
- Helps people start conversations
- Works for people who don't speak
- Can lead to more complex communication
Great For:
- Children with autism who don't talk yet
- Building basic requesting skills
- People learning to communicate
- Starting point before using high-tech devices
PECS is more than just pictures. It's a whole system with six teaching phases. People start by trading one picture for one item. Over time, they learn to use multiple pictures to make sentences.
First-Then Boards: Understanding What Comes Next
First-Then boards show two simple steps. They help people understand "first we do this, then we do that."
Why People Like Them:
- Super simple and clear
- Motivate people to complete tasks
- Show the reward after work
- Reduce resistance to hard tasks
Works Well For:
- Transitions between activities
- Getting through less preferred tasks
- Young children
- People new to visual supports
Many teachers and parents put a less-fun activity first and a favorite activity second. This helps motivate people to finish what they need to do.
Social Stories and Scripts
Social stories use pictures and simple words to explain social situations. They teach what to expect and how to behave.
What They Do:
- Explain confusing social rules
- Prepare people for new situations
- Teach appropriate responses
- Reduce anxiety about social events
Best Used For:
- Learning social skills
- Preparing for doctor visits or new places
- Understanding feelings
- Practicing conversations
Social stories work because they break down complicated social situations into simple steps. They help people know what will happen and what they should do.
Visual Timers and Time Tools
Visual timers show time passing in a way you can see. Regular clocks are hard to understand, but visual timers make time concrete.
How They Support:
- Show how much time is left
- Help with waiting
- Make time limits clear
- Reduce anxiety about time
Perfect For:
- Transitions between activities
- Time limits on preferred activities
- Teaching time management
- People who struggle with time concepts
You can find visual timers as physical devices or apps. Some show time as a shrinking circle. Others use colors or bars.
Communication Boards and Books
Communication boards display many pictures or symbols that people can point to. They're like expanded choice boards with lots of options.
Their Purpose:
- Express many different ideas
- Replace or support speech
- Available all the time
- Portable communication
Ideal For:
- People with limited or no speech
- Complex communication needs
- Going out in the community
- Anyone needing AAC support
Communication boards can be simple paper boards or fancy electronic devices. What matters most is having the right pictures for the person's needs.
Matching Visual Supports to Specific Needs
Different situations call for different visual supports. Here's how to match them up.
For Daily Routines and Structure
Best Choice: Visual Schedules
If someone gets confused about what happens during the day, visual schedules are your answer. They work great at home and school. You can show morning routines, school schedules, or bedtime steps.
Make schedules that fit the person's level:
- Object schedules for very young children
- Photo schedules for concrete thinkers
- Picture symbol schedules for most people
- Written word schedules for readers
For Communication Challenges
Best Choice: PECS or Communication Boards
When someone can't talk or has trouble speaking, these tools open up communication. PECS works well for teaching new communicators. Communication boards help people who already understand that pictures mean something.
Start simple with basic needs like food, drinks, and favorite activities. Add more pictures as the person learns.
For Behavior and Transitions
Best Choice: First-Then Boards or Visual Schedules
Problem behaviors often happen during transitions or when people don't know what's expected. First-Then boards work great for single transitions. Visual schedules help with multiple changes throughout the day.
The key is showing what happens before the change occurs. Give people time to prepare mentally.
For Learning New Skills
Best Choice: Visual Task Analysis or Social Stories
Breaking down new tasks into small steps helps people learn. Show each step with a picture. For social skills, social stories explain the situation clearly.
Keep steps simple and in order. Use real photos when possible so people recognize the exact task.
For Emotional Understanding
Best Choice: Emotion Charts or Feeling Thermometers
Many people with autism or brain injuries struggle to identify feelings. Emotion charts show different faces with feeling words. Thermometers show how strong feelings are.
These tools help people recognize their own emotions and communicate how they feel.
How to Choose the Right Visual Support
Follow these steps to pick the best visual support for your situation.
Step 1: Identify the Main Goal
Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve?
- Better communication?
- Following routines?
- Learning new skills?
- Managing behavior?
- Understanding feelings?
Your goal points you toward the right type of support.
Step 2: Consider the Person's Skills
Think about:
- Can they understand pictures or do they need real objects?
- Do they read words?
- How long is their attention span?
- What are their interests?
- What works in other areas of their life?
Match the visual support to their current abilities.
Step 3: Think About the Environment
Where will the visual support be used?
- At home?
- In school?
- Out in the community?
- Multiple places?
Some supports work better in certain settings. Portable options like communication books travel well. Wall schedules work great at home.
Step 4: Start Simple and Build
Begin with the simplest visual support that will work. You can always add complexity later. Starting too complex can be overwhelming.
For example:
- Start with a First-Then board before a full schedule
- Begin PECS with just a few favorite items
- Use one emotion chart before trying multiple feelings tools
Step 5: Consider Age and Social Acceptance
Visual support should look appropriate for the person's age. A teenager doesn't want cartoon characters. An adult deserves professional-looking support.
Also think about how the support looks to others. Some people prefer discreet options they can use in public without standing out.
Making Visual Supports Work Better
Having the right visual support is just the start. Here's how to make it actually work.
Customize for the Individual
Generic visual supports rarely work as well as personalized ones. Use:
- Photos of the actual person, places, and things
- The person's favorite colors
- Their interests and preferences
- Language they understand
Personal photos are more meaningful than clipart for most people.
Keep It Clear and Simple
Don't overcrowd visual supports. Too much information confuses people. Focus on:
- One main idea per picture
- Simple backgrounds
- Clear, large images
- Consistent symbols
Less is often more with visual support.
Make It Durable and Accessible
Visual supports need to survive daily use. Consider:
- Laminating paper supports
- Using sturdy materials
- Velcro for removable pieces
- Keeping supports where people can reach them
If a visual support breaks or isn't available when needed, it can't help.
Teach How to Use It
Don't assume people will automatically know how to use visual support. Take time to:
- Model how it works
- Practice together
- Give reminders at first
- Praise using it correctly
Teaching the tool is as important as creating it.
Use It Consistently
Visual supports work best when everyone uses them the same way. Make sure:
- All caregivers understand the system
- The support goes everywhere the person goes
- It's used every time, not just sometimes
- The routine stays consistent
Consistency builds skills and independence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common problems that make visual supports less effective.
Making It Too Complicated
Starting with too many pictures or too complex a system overwhelms people. Begin simple. Add complexity only after the person masters the basics.
Forgetting to Update It
As people grow and change, their visual supports need updates too. Remove pictures they've outgrown. Add new activities and interests. Keep supports current and relevant.
Not Fading When Ready
Some people will always need visual support. But others can gradually use them less as they learn. Plan for fading when appropriate, but don't rush it.
Using Only Generic Pictures
While clipart is quick and easy, personal photos work better. Take time to create personalized supports that show the person's actual environment.
Expecting Instant Results
Visual supports take time to work. People need to learn the system and build trust in it. Give support several weeks of consistent use before deciding if they work.
Technology and Visual Supports
Digital tools offer new ways to use visual support effectively.
Apps and Tablets
Many apps create visual schedules, choice boards, and communication tools. Popular options include:
- Choiceworks
- First Then Visual Schedule
- Proloquo2Go
- LAMP Words for Life
Pros:
- Easy to update
- Can include videos and sounds
- Portable
- Engaging for many people
Cons:
- Requires device access
- Can break or run out of battery
- Screen time concerns
- May be distracting
When to Use High-Tech vs. Low-Tech
High-tech (digital) supports work great for:
- People who love technology
- Complex communication needs
- Multiple environments
- Frequent changes
Low-tech (paper/physical) supports work better for:
- Very young children
- Limited technology access
- Sensory seekers who need to touch
- Simple, stable routines
Many people benefit from a mix of both. TheMapHabit tablets offer a great middle ground, providing structured visual support with technology benefits.
Getting Started with Visual Supports Today
Ready to try visual supports? Here's your action plan.
For Families at Home
- Pick one routine that's hard (like morning or bedtime)
- Create a simple visual schedule with 3-5 steps
- Use it consistently for two weeks
- Adjust based on what works
- Expand to other routines gradually
For Educators and Therapists
- Assess the student's current communication and understanding
- Choose one visual support to start with
- Train all staff on how to use it
- Use it in one setting first
- Expand across environments
- Document progress and adjust
For Organizations
Many organizations offer visual support systems andtraining programs. MapHabit provides comprehensive solutions for individuals and organizations working with people who have autism, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and memory disorders.
Professional support can help you:
- Choose the right visual supports
- Create customized materials
- Train staff and family members
- Track progress over time
Resources for Creating Visual Supports
You don't need to start from scratch. Many free and low-cost resources exist.
Free Online Tools
- Do2Learn: Free printable visual supports
- ABA Speech: Communication boards and schedules
- Autism Speaks: Visual support toolkits
- Teachers Pay Teachers: Many free options
Software for Creating Supports
- Boardmaker: Professional symbol software
- SymWriter: Picture-supported writing
- Canva: Easy graphic design (free version available)
- PowerPoint or Google Slides: Make your own
Professional Support
Working with professionals ensures visual supports match individual needs. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavior specialists can help design and implement effective visual support systems.
Organizations like MapHabit offer specialized solutions tailored to specific needs including autism, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
Real Success Stories
Visual supports change lives every day. Here are common outcomes people experience:
Communication Breakthroughs: Children who couldn't express their needs begin requesting items independently using PECS or communication boards.
Reduced Anxiety: People who constantly worried about schedules become calmer when they can see what happens next.
Better Independence: Adults with developmental disabilities learn to complete tasks without constant prompting when following visual task lists.
Smoother Days: Families report fewer meltdowns and better cooperation when using First-Then boards and visual schedules.
Improved Learning: Students with autism show better engagement and task completion with visual supports in the classroom.
Research backs up these experiences. Studies show that visual supports effectively reduce anxiety, improve communication, and increase independence across all age groups.
Final Thoughts
The most effective visual support is the one that fits the person's needs, abilities, and goals. Visual schedules provide structure for daily routines. Choice boards give people control over decisions. PECS opens up communication for non-speakers. First-Then boards smooth transitions. Each type has its place and purpose.
Start with one visual support that addresses your biggest challenge. Keep it simple, personalized, and consistent. Give it time to work. As skills grow, add more supports or increase complexity.
Visual supports aren't just helpful tools – they're bridges to better understanding, communication, and independence. They give people a voice when words are hard. They provide predictability in an often confusing world. They build confidence and reduce frustration.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, caregiver, or professional, visual supports can transform how you help people learn and communicate. The right visual support makes everyday life clearer, calmer, and more successful for everyone involved.
