Dear All,
Depending on the sense organ that works stronger, some children on the autism spectrum learn better through sound, and others respond well to touch.
There are excellent reasons however, for using visuals as teaching tools. Read on as I present a “Step By Step” account of the same 🙂
Being associated with children on the spectrum of autism has been a very rewarding experience.
While assisting them with their school curriculum I realized,
That they understood better with pictures
Than with words
This set me thinking and I decided to simplify each chapter of the syllabus
With a combination of pictures and sentences
VISUAL SCHEDULES
In their simplest forms, visual schedules are boards onto which pictures can be attached. Typically, the pictures indicate specific activities such as recess, lunch, bus, etc. Many teachers, even those who do not teach children with autism, use visual schedules to help young learners orient to the day’s plan.
VISUAL TIMERS
The concept of time, especially elapsed time can be very difficult for many people on the autism spectrum. Even people who can use schedules and calendars may find it challenging to feel the passage of 10 minutes or understand what’s meant by “You have an hour to finish that.” Visual timers can be great tools for helping both children and adults observe and respond to the passage of time.
PICTURE CARDS
Visuals make it easier to understand what’s being said or taught without having to make sense of spoken words rapidly. Visual tools can also allow those with very restricted language skills to communicate with others.
SOCIAL STORIES
Created by therapist Carol Gray, social stories are tools that provide visual information about a range of topics such as expected behavior, a planned event, coping with feelings and more. Examples include, social stories to use before visiting the dentist, getting a haircut, taking the bus or visiting a relative. They can also be used to prepare a child to interact in unstructured settings such as playgrounds.
 VISUAL SCHEDULES HELP TO FOLLOW ROUTINES
Those with autism generally prefer routines as opposed to spontaneous changes in schedules. Visual schedules can make routines easier to predict and follow.
I earnestly wish that this initiative helps a lot of children and that they benefit from it immensely.
–Â Divya Rao
*Images procured from Google and Pinterest*
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