A Guide To Visual Communication Resources
People with autism often struggle to comprehend verbal communication because it can lack clarity. Understanding verbal communication effectively requires the ability to interpret body language and tone of voice. The meaning may depend on how someone speaks, or the language someone uses. People with autism who have sensory issues may find it hard to block out sensory stimuli and focus on the person communicating with them. People with autism often respond well to visual resources, because they tend to be ‘visual thinkers’. It is often much easier for them to process information when they can see it. Visuals are more ‘concrete’ and the person can look at them again and again, so the information is much easier to process. Visual communication is clearer because it does not depend on body language or those other things that people with autism find so difficult to decipher.
What is a visual communication resource? Visual communication can be anything that you can see that helps aid understanding and communication. Many people use visual communication in everyday life – for example, many of us could not organise our day without our diaries, calendars or to-do lists.
Are visual communication resources only suitable for people with a learning disability? Visual communications are suitable for everybody. They can be adapted to suit the individual’s needs. Even a person who is very high-functioning can benefit from visual resources, as they too may struggle with communication, even though they may be articulate and have a good vocabulary. It’s about finding the right visual resource for that person.
What types of visual resources are there? There are as many types of visual resources as there are types of people! Visuals are really very personal. Some people may prefer visuals that use pictures, photographs or symbols which are easier to understand. Other people may prefer written visuals. It all depends on the person’s needs. Types of resources that work well for people with autism include: •• Symbol keyrings •• Timetables •• Comic Strip Conversations •• To-Do lists •• Social Stories •• Daily schedules •• Behaviour Charts •• Reward Charts •• Five Point Scales •• Flash Cards
A visual resource can be made for absolutely anything. If a person with autism has difficulty with something, there will be a visual resource that can help.
Do visuals always work? Like anything, visual resources can require a great deal of trial and error. Sometimes, they work immediately but sometimes it may take a lot of perseverance and consistency for them to work. It may require you to adapt them over time. The important thing is to stay positive, try new things and adapt the resources to the person’s needs.
Do visual resources cost a lot of money? Visual resources can be anything from a list scribbled on a piece of paper, to a fancy laminated timetable using bespoke symbols. You can buy ready-made visuals from the internet, but with a little creativity it is possible to make your own. You may use pictures from magazines or books, or photos you have taken yourself. There are software programmes you can buy that can help you make resources, such as Widgit or Boardmaker. There are also a lot of free resources on the internet that you can print off and use, or use for inspiration.
Useful Websites www.mayer-johnson.com 30-day free trial of Boardmaker software with thousands of symbols and templates http://elearning.autism.net/visuals/main.php?g2_itemId=524 Lots of free resources ready to print off and use http://www.practicalautismresources.com/printables Hundreds of free templates and symbols http://www.5pointscale.com/more_sweet_scale.htm 5-point scales to print out or adapt http://www.speakingofspeech.com/Materials_Exchange.html Lots of free printable resources and lots of social stories www.do2learn.com Free printable PECS symbols and resources http://www.communicationpassports.org.uk/Resources/Creating-Passports/ Templates/ Templates and guidance for creating a communication passport
About Autism West Midlands
There are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands. We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism.
Contact us Address: Autism West Midlands Regent Court George Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1NU Email: hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk Telephone: 0121 450 7582 Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Find us on Facebook: Search “Autism West Midlands�
Follow us on Twitter: @autismwestmids Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Registered Charity Number: 517077 Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)