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Visual supports can help to:

provide structure and routine

encourage independence

build confidence

improve understanding

avoid frustration and anxiety

provide opportunities to interact with others.

They can make communication physical and consistent, rather than fleeting and inconsistent like spoken words can be.

Types of visual support

A wide range of items can be used as visual supports. For example:

These can be real objects, printed images, or on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Uses of visual supports

Visual supports can be used in a range of ways, for example:

as a single message, eg the person takes a yellow card from their pocket when they need to go to the toilet, or a puts purple card on the board when they're feeling stressed

in combination to create a daily timetable, schedule, sequence or reward chart

to make a choice, eg the person can put the trampolining symbol in the 'afternoon' area of the board

to illustrate a social story or comic strip conversation.

Examples of visual supports

Make visual supports  portable, durable, easy to find, personalised and consistent.

Portable

Make the visual supports portable by:

using a visual supports app on the person's tablet

storing photos and pictures on the person's smartphone

putting symbols, pictures and schedules in a folder for the person to carry with them.

Durable

Laminate printed visual supports

Back up any app, photos and pictures you use on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Easy to find

Ensure that visual supports are easy to find, for example by:

placing them in prominent places at eye level

putting them on an actual object

putting a single symbol in the person's pocket

distributing them throughout particular environments, eg objects and areas in the classroom and at home could be labelled

putting a shortcut to them from a tablet home screen

attaching symbols to boards so that people know where to go to look at them - you could also use Velcro strips to attach symbols to a board, meaning schedules can be easily altered, eg activities removed once completed.

Personalised

Visual supports are very personal and what works for one person may not work for another. Use the person's special interest, eg make a visual timetable in the shape of a rocket.

Remember that some autistic people have difficulties generalising, eg they may not realise that a Hula Hoop packet symbolises all crisps.

It can sometimes be helpful to use more than one type of visual support, but always introduce visual supports gradually. Start with one symbol and then build up a collection.

Consistent

If using pictures, once you choose a type or style (for example, line drawings), use it consistently. Ask family members, friends, teachers or support workers to use the same visual supports consistently.

Useful resources

There are lots of pictures you can download or buy as printed images and apps that you can use. Some examples are listed below. Inclusion does not mean that the National Autistic Society has endorsed them. You can search our Autism Services Directory or ask the community for suggestions of others.

You should always check the terms and conditions relating to the use of images that you download and any costs involved.

More information

Gerhardt, P, Cohen, M. (2014) Visual supports for people with autism: a guide for parents and professionals. Woodbine House

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Visual supports are a communication tool that can be used with autistic people. They can be used in most situations, and are adaptable and portable.

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Some lovely ideas to support milestones development

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Starting school is an exciting time for children and parents.

With a little preparation and encouragement, children settle at school, ready to learn and have fun in this new chapter of their lives.

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Contact Health Visiting Find a healthy child clinic Starting school is an exciting time for children and parents. With a little preparation and encouragement, children settle at school, ready to learn and have fun in this new chapter of their lives. Pre-school vaccinations Getting ready for school and child development Speech and language development Keeping [...]

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Please complete this and send it into the class teacher

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Scenario's about dilemmas that may happen in Secondary school 

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Scenario's about dilemmas that may happen in Secondary school 

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What would be the best solution to these problems?

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Social Story: Going to the toilet at school

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Social Story: Going to the toilet at school

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Resource pack: Supporting Children who have Restricted Diet 

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Resource pack: Supporting Children who have Restricted Diet 

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You are here: MIDAS & STLS > STLS Resources > STLS EYFS Digital Support Pack > Structure & Routine Support

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Print out these widgets to assist you in organising your child's morning routine before heading to school.

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You are here: MIDAS & STLS > STLS Resources > STLS EYFS Digital Support Pack > Early Years Makaton Signs

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Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework

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The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5.

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Transition leaflet: moving to secondary school

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Transition leaflet: moving to secondary school

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Eal support