Visual Supports for Autism: A Step-By Step Guide

Visual supports are tools that use objects, photographs, drawings, symbols, written words, or a combination of these to help a person understand information. They can be used to communicate expectations, provide choices, organize routines, break activities into steps, support communication, and make changes or transitions more predictable. The resource explains that visual supports can be especially helpful because visual information remains available to reference, rather than disappearing after it is spoken

Use this resource as a practical reference when deciding whether and how to introduce visual supports for a Neurodivergent person. It can help families, educators, therapists, and other supporters identify an appropriate type of visual, understand how to introduce it, and consider ways to incorporate visuals into everyday activities, transitions, schedules, communication, and task completion.