Visual Supports at Home
As I have talked with parents throughout this quarantine time, I keep hearing that the kids are not focusing to do the assignments. There can be many more distractions at home. This is where I begin my talk of visual supports. These are very important as children with communication difficulties can have difficulty in processing language focus on a task and with transitions. Visual supports such as a first then task schedule, visual timer, key chain behavior support, and full visual schedule.
Using a communication flipbook such as pictured below may help a child understand what you are asking as they will see a picture to represent the command. They can be customized per child.
First-then or first-then-last schedule will be a two-step or three step option of tasks and rewards. As it is pictured below that we have to pick up toys then we get to play on computer.
Full Visual schedule will have the day of tasks listed and will be checked off as each task is completed. A visual schedule can be general or specific depending on what is needed. This can make transitions and changes in schedule easier for the child. So, I had a mom say that going to the doctor was a nightmare. I asked her if it was on his visual schedule. She said no. I asked if she had broken up the steps for him to know what was going to happen. She said no. So, we worked on putting together a visual step by step for her to use for preparation and during appointment. It is good to have rewards/breaks as part of the schedule such as a special snack, extra TV/IPad time or some will do tokens for a prize. Some parents worry about dependency on tools like this. Remember we all have a calendar written or electronic and we use it and couldn’t survive without it.
Some children have difficulty with concept of time. A visual timer such as pictured below can provide a better feedback than just your standard iPhone timer for a young child. It can reduce breakdowns over transitions because the can here it countdown and see picture appear. Try the Visual Countdown Timer app or the Fun Timer for Parents app for iOS.
In order to create these custom resources, LessonPix, which is $36 per year, is an inexpensive option. If you prefer to download already created materials, try searching on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Remember we all as adults use a version of these tools, so it is a skill that will be beneficial to learn. If you are needing assistance with some of these please contact us.