The Autism Seminar in October focused on helping parents and teachers to create visual supports for children. Visual supports are not just visual schedules, but rather visuals to help with transitions, dealing with difficult situations, conversation starters, even how to play with play-doh!
A couple of important points that the presenters made:
1. Visual supports are easier to fade than an adult giving a verbal cue.
2. Don’t fade visual supports too quickly. Develop a plan to fade systematically.
Helping parents to introduce visuals at home:
1. Prioritize the needs
2. Teach/ introduce visuals one at a time
3. Give ample opportunities to practice
4. Plan to fade the visuals
For information about the presenters and their company, go to http://www.autismsteps.com/