In short
Visual supports are pictures, words or both that show your child what is happening now and what comes next. Common ones include first-then boards, visual schedules, token boards, break cards, task analysis sheets and choice boards. They are widely used with children with autism, and they can help any child who finds it easier to see a plan than to hear it. Start with one, in one routine, and adjust as you learn what works for your child.
- 6 free printables
- Pictures, words or both
- Start with one routine
What are visual supports, and do they actually help?
For many children, yes.
Visual supports are simple tools that can help your child understand what they need to do, what is happening now, and what is coming next. They can include pictures, words, or both, depending on what works best for your child.
Seeing the plan, as well as hearing it, can make the day more predictable and gives your child another way to understand and communicate.
What is a first-then board?
A first-then board is a simple visual that shows your child what they need to do first and what will happen next.
Breaking an activity down into two parts can make expectations clearer and make it easier to move from one thing to the next.
Example: “First we put on our shoes, then we go outside.”
Or, “First homework, then tablet.”
What is a visual schedule?
A visual schedule shows your child what activities are going to happen and the order they will happen in.
You can use one for a specific routine, like getting ready for school, or for the whole day.
If plans change, you can move or swap a picture, so your child can see the change before it happens.
What is a token board?
A token board is a visual tool that can help keep your child motivated while completing activities or learning new skills.
Your child earns tokens as they work towards a specific goal. Once they earn the target number of tokens, they exchange them for a reward, preferred activity, or item that was chosen ahead of time.
Example: your child might earn tokens for completing parts of their morning routine. Once they earn all their tokens, they get their chosen reward.
Or they might earn a token for each page of homework, with a break to play outside at the end.
What is a break card?
A break card gives your child a simple way to let you know that they need a break without having to say it out loud.
Your child can learn to point to, touch, or hand you the card when they need some time away from an activity, giving them another way to communicate what they need.
You can practice using the card with your child when they are calm. Over time, they can start using it on their own, in the moment.
What is a task analysis sheet?
A task analysis sheet takes a bigger activity or routine and breaks it down into smaller steps.
This can help you see which steps your child completes independently and where they still need some support.
Example: brushing teeth can be broken down into getting the toothbrush, adding toothpaste, brushing, rinsing, and cleaning up.
Task analysis sheets can be used with many everyday activities, such as getting dressed, making a snack, packing a backpack, or cleaning up.
What is a choice board?
A choice board gives your child a visual way to make choices throughout their day.
It can show which activities are available or allow your child to choose the order they want to complete them.
Example: your child may choose between playing with blocks, colouring, doing a puzzle, or reading a book.
How do I use visual supports at home?
Start with one routine or activity where your child could use a little extra support.
Keep the visual somewhere they can easily see and access it. Show your child how it works and help them use it at first. As they become more familiar with the visual, you can give them more opportunities to use it independently.
You do not need to introduce every visual at once. Starting with one that fits naturally into your family’s routine can make it easier for both you and your child to learn how to use it.
Which visual support should I start with?
Match the visual to the moment.
If moving from one activity to the next is a part of the day you’d like to go more smoothly, you might try a first-then board. For daily routines, try a visual schedule. If your child needs another way to ask for a break, a break card may be a good place to start.
“There is no one visual support that works for every child.”
Kat Doucette, Clinical Supervisor
You can try different options and adjust them based on your child, their communication style, and what works for your family.
When should I ask for help?
It’s worth reaching out if:
- You’ve tried a visual for a few weeks and it isn’t fitting into your routine.
- You’re not sure whether pictures, words or both would suit your child.
- Your child needs another way to tell you what they need.
- A big change is coming up, like a new school, a move or a new sibling.
At AlphaBee, a Clinical Supervisor can help you choose visual supports and set them up for your child. An Instructor Therapist works with your child in sessions.