Visuals Presented by the EACS Autism Team

To be able to communicate, a person needs to understand their environment and know what is expected of him or her. Frustration due to lack of understanding can lead inappropriate behavior. This is especially true for students with Autism. Picture cards are used to visually present information in order to help structure tasks and explain processes.

Schedules and Agendas Picture cards can be used to build schedules to organize and structure daily activities. For school use, a picture schedule can list the day's activities as well as procedures, such as entering the classroom (put up backpack, put away lunch box, hang up coat, sit at desk). High-stress situations require a more detailed breakdown using sequential pictures.

Example of Visual Schedules

Examples of Story Strips "It is time to sit and work. Time to be quiet." “First we will have circle time, then we will make an art project "

How to Use Individual Pictures Create a “choice board” using cardboard or plastic with behaviors or choices (foods, activities, etc.) for the student to point to

There’s an App for That! Create your own, using Pages (Word), Powerpoint (Keynote) or Publisher AutiPlan Pictoplanner (free version) 4Kid Share ($.99) Autism/Special Needs Daily Organizer ($4.99) Abc Notes Lite (free version) Sticky (free version)

Visual Supports Module Located in Canvas under SPED Professional Development, or click here

Find More On Our Website Located on EACS Website- Departments>Special Services>Autism>Tip of the Month Or Click Here