VISUAL

STRATEGIES

Bill Nason, LLP

Behavior Specialist
Billnason@yahoo.net
 Written Lists & Schedules

We Rely On Visual Strategies To Organize Our Day

 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.
 Children With Disabilities

Visuals Provide:
Clarity and predictability to routine.
Helps organize childs world.
Provides concrete, visual information.
Helps communicate expectations and
consequences.
Helps child communicate needs and wants.
Reduces anxiety and behavior problems.

.
 ACTIVITY
SCHEDULES
 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.
Jimmys Morning Schedule
 Before Dinner After Dinner
Permanent
Activity
Hang Up Coat Dishes to Sink

Schedule

Feed Dog Load Dishwasher

Use magic
marker to check
off each task as Put Shoes Away Take Trash Out

completed.
Homework TV

Computer Snack
 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.
 Master Using Portable
Schedule
Schedules

Portable Schedule

Portable schedules allow you to

break down the master schedule
into simple routines, ending with
a preferred activity.
 Master
Schedule

Chain Routines
Into Schedules

Each sequence ending with

a preferred activity.
Work from one routine to
another.
 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.
 Using Reinforcers

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
 Reinforcement Menu

Computer DVD MP3 Player Video Games

Toys Cards TV Reading

 Sallys Star Chart

Choice Of Reward

Sally earns a star for each day she completes her picture
schedule
 TASK
SEQUENCES
Visual Task Sequence
Brushing Teeth
 Combining Schedules and Task Routines

Activity Schedule Activity schedules tell

you what to do.

Task sequences show

you how to do it.

Task Sequence

Wet Hands Soap Hands Rinse Hands Turn Water Off Dry Hands

Wash Hands
 NOW & NEXT
AND
CHOICE BOARDS
 Now and Next Boards
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).
 Teach By Chaining

= Picture Exchange: Child exchanges

picture for something they want.

First Then
Now and Next board: First ___, then
___, to get preferred item.

Now Next Then

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.
 Choice Boards

Do you want.. Chore Chart

Dust Sweep

Start with two options. Vacuum Mirrors

Build in four or five

opportunities a day.
Laundry Dishwasher
Gradually expand choices.
Taking It Into
The Community
 Community

Gas Bank Grocery McDonalds

Portable Schedule
 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
 Grandpas Birthday Party

Talk With Grandparents Play With Dutches Play Game Boy

Eat Dinner Birthday Cake Open Presents

Drive Home Play Computer Game

 TEACHING
CONSEQUENCES

REDUCING BEHAVIOR
PROBLEMS
 Teaching Consequences

Angry Hitting No computer

Everyone Sad

Talk with adult Solve

Problem
Everyone
 When I Am Angry

Angry No
hitting!

Talk to adult Write in journal Jump on

tramp.

Happy
 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.
 Resources
Pictures: Magazines, Catalogs
www.images.google.com
www.images.yahoo.com
www.clipart.com
www.do2learn.com
Digital Camera

Software: Boardmaker, Picture It, Visual

Essentials (www.silverliningmm.com)

Books: Visual Supports for People with Autism,

Cohen & Sloan
Making Visual Supports Savner and Myles