1. VISUAL STRATEGIES Bill Nason, LLP Behavior Specialist

2. Written Lists & Schedules
We Rely On Visual Strategies To Organize Our Day

3. Why Visual Strategies? Poor auditory processing
Delayed information processing
Problems with working memory
Difficulties organizing information
Visual information is more concrete, literal, and clear.
Many children with ASD are visual learners; thinking in pictures.
For nonverbal children pictures can be a communication tool.

4. Children With Disabilities
Visuals Provide:
Clarity and predictability to routine.
Helps organize child’s world.
Provides concrete, visual information.
Helps communicate expectations and consequences.
Helps child communicate needs and wants.
Reduces anxiety and behavior problems. .

5. ACTIVITY
SCHEDULES

6. Visual Schedules and Routines
Bedtime Routine
Pajamas Brush Toilet Wash Hands Story Bed
Visual strategies can help crystallize the patterns of routine. Helps child “see” what is coming up and in what order.

7. Jimmy’s Morning Schedule

8. Permanent Activity Schedule Before Dinner After Dinner
Hang Up Coat Dishes to Sink
Feed Dog Load Dishwasher
Use magic marker to check off each task as completed.
Put Shoes Away Take Trash Out
Homework TV
Computer Snack

9. Master Schedule
To Be Done Finished
Velcro Board
Have child transfer pictures from one side to the other, as tasks are completed. Or
Place pictures in an attached envelope.

10. Using Portable Schedules
Master Schedule
Portable Schedule
Portable schedules allow you to break down the master schedule into simple routines, ending with a preferred activity.

11. Chain Routines Into Schedules
Master Schedule
Chain Routines Into Schedules
Each sequence ending with a preferred activity.
Work from one routine to another.

12. Always End With Preferred Activity (Reinforcer)
Always try to end with a reinforcing (preferred) activity
If needed, start with “First and then”, and gradually add on.
Then build larger schedules of several smaller routines.

13. Using Reinforcers Use picture reinforcement menu.
Build in frequent reinforcers into picture routine.
Use picture reinforcement menu.
Have child pick the item/activity he wants at that
time
Place the item on the board as visual reminder.
If not providing immediate reinforcer, than use a
token system (star chart or tokens to carry).

14. Reinforcement Menu Computer DVD MP3 Player Video Games
Toys Cards TV Reading

15. = Sally’s Star Chart Choice Of Reward
Sally earns a star for each day she completes her picture schedule

16. TASK
SEQUENCES

17. Visual Task Sequence
Brushing Teeth

18. Combining Schedules and Task Routines
Activity schedules tell you what to do.
Task sequences show you how to do it.
Activity Schedule
Task Sequence
Wet Hands Soap Hands Rinse Hands Turn Water Off Dry Hands
Wash Hands

19. NOW & NEXT
AND
CHOICE BOARDS

20. Now and Next Boards First we do ________, then we do __________.
First Then
Bath Computer
First we do ________, then we do __________.
Usually a nonpreferred task, followed by preferred task.
If child is resistant, start with preferred/preferred, then move to a nonpreferred/preferred.
Then begin to expand to three sequence (now, next, and then).

21. Teach By Chaining =
Picture Exchange: Child exchanges picture for something they want.
Now and Next board: First ___, then ___, to get preferred item.
Now, Next, and Then board: Chain three tasks together.
Simple Routine Board: four or five picture routine.
Master Schedule: Series of simple routines on master schedule.
First Then
Now Next Then

22. Choice Boards Chore Chart “Do you want…..” Start with two options.
Dust Sweep
Start with two options.
Build in four or five opportunities a day.
Gradually expand choices.
Vacuum Mirrors
Laundry Dishwasher

23. Taking It Into The Community

24. Community
Gas
Bank
Grocery
McDonalds
Portable Schedule

25. Grocery Shopping
Grocery store Sally push cart Mom gets items, Pay for groceries
Hands stay on cart not Sally.
Sally rides horse Load groceries Drive home Play computer

26. Grandpa’s Birthday Party
Talk With Grandparents Play With Dutches Play Game Boy
Eat Dinner Birthday Cake Open Presents
Drive Home Play Computer Game

27. TEACHING CONSEQUENCES REDUCING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

28. Teaching Consequences
Angry Hitting No computer Everyone Sad
Talk with adult Solve Problem
Everyone Happy

29. When I Am Angry Angry No hitting!
Talk to adult Write in journal Jump on tramp.
Happy

30. Getting Started
Determine type of visuals: written, line drawing, clipart, photos, etc.
Determine type of use: schedules, task sequences, instruction sheets, choice menu, reinforcement chart, consequence sheet, behavior options, etc.
Determine type of representation: Picture board, portable boards, picture ring, baseball card pages, picture books, etc.
Materials: Poster board, valcro or magnetic tape, lamination or contact sheets, etc.
Start simple, build gradually.

31. Resources Pictures: Magazines, Catalogs www.images.google.com
Digital Camera
Software: Boardmaker, Picture It, Visual
Essentials (
Books: “Visual Supports for People with Autism”,
Cohen & Sloan
“Making Visual Supports” Savner and Myles