Using Visuals at Home: A Powerful Tool for Supporting Children with Developmental Delay and Autism

Learn how visuals help children with autism and developmental delays with many areas of development in bondi junction and mascot

Using Visuals at Home to Support Children with Developmental Delay and Autism

Visuals can be a powerful tool for children with developmental delay and autism. They help children understand routines, communicate needs, and reduce anxiety. By using visuals at home, parents can create a more structured, predictable environment. This makes it easier for children to learn and grow. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use visuals at home and why they are so effective for children with autism and developmental delays.

We will also highlight the support available through speech pathology, occupational therapy, and ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) in Bondi Junction and Mascot.

Why Visuals Work for Children with Autism and Developmental Delays

Children with developmental delays or autism often struggle with processing verbal information. Spoken words can feel overwhelming, making it hard for them to understand instructions or express their needs. Visuals, however, are static. They give children more time to process information and respond.

Using visuals reduces stress and confusion. It makes the world easier to understand, and this is especially true for children with autism, who often rely on visual learning.

Types of Visuals You Can Use at Home

There are many types of visuals that can support children with developmental delays and autism. Here are some you can try at home:

1. Visual Schedules

A visual schedule shows the events of the day in order. It can use pictures, symbols, or written words. For example, a visual schedule might show a picture of a bed for waking up, followed by a toothbrush for brushing teeth, and a breakfast plate for eating breakfast.

Having a visual schedule reduces anxiety. Children know what to expect next and feel more in control of their day. They also learn time concepts like “before” and “after.”

2. First-Then Boards

First-Then boards are simple visuals that show two activities. The first box shows what the child needs to do first. The second box shows what comes after.

For example, you could have a First-Then board with a picture of homework in the “first” box and a picture of playtime in the “then” box. This helps motivate children to complete tasks by showing them the reward they’ll get after.

3. Choice Boards

Choice boards give children options. They display several images or words that the child can choose from. For example, at snack time, you could show pictures of an apple, banana, and crackers. The child points to or picks the picture of what they want to eat.

Giving children choices can increase their independence and reduce frustration. It’s a simple way to empower them to make decisions.

4. Visual Timers

A visual timer shows the passage of time. Children can see how much time is left before an activity ends or how long they have to wait. Visual timers help children understand time and manage transitions better.

This can be especially helpful when a child finds it hard to wait for something or struggles with stopping an activity they enjoy.

5. Emotion Cards

Emotion cards display different facial expressions representing feelings. These visuals can help children who find it hard to express emotions verbally. For example, they can point to a card showing a happy face when they feel good, or a sad face when they are upset.

By identifying and expressing emotions visually, children with autism or developmental delays can learn self-regulation and improve their communication.

How to Introduce Visuals at Home

Introducing visuals at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by identifying areas where your child struggles. Is it understanding daily routines? Waiting for activities to start or stop? Making choices?

Once you know what’s challenging, choose visuals that match your child’s needs. Keep it simple at first. If your child responds well, you can add more visuals over time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to introducing visuals:

Choose the Visual Tool: Decide which type of visual will help your child most.
Explain the Visual: Show your child how to use the visual and what it means. You may need to model it a few times.
Use Consistently: Incorporate the visual into your routine. For example, use a visual schedule every morning to map out the day.
Praise and Encourage: Praise your child when they use the visual correctly. This positive reinforcement builds their confidence.

The Benefits of Visuals in Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and ESDM

Visuals aren’t just helpful at home. They’re also a key part of therapy for children with developmental delays and autism. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and ESDM therapists use visuals to enhance learning.

Here’s how visuals are used in different therapies:

1. Speech Pathology

Visuals help children with speech and language difficulties communicate more effectively. A speech pathologist might use visuals to teach new vocabulary, help with sentence structure, or support understanding of social cues. For non-verbal children, visual supports can be the first step toward developing communication skills.

2. Occupational Therapy

In occupational therapy, visuals are often used to support daily living skills. For example, an occupational therapist might use a visual schedule to guide a child through getting dressed or brushing their teeth. Visuals can also help with motor planning, sequencing tasks, and managing sensory overload.

3. ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) Therapy

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a play-based intervention for children with autism. Visuals are an integral part of ESDM therapy, helping children understand and follow instructions during play. ESDM therapists often use visuals to support communication, teach new skills, and reduce anxiety during transitions.

Incorporating Visuals into Your Child’s Therapy Plan

If your child receives speech therapy, occupational therapy, or ESDM therapy, talk to their therapist about how to incorporate visuals at home. Consistency is key. Using the same visual supports at home and in therapy will reinforce your child’s learning and progress.

Therapists at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot work closely with parents to create customised visual tools. They will guide you on the best visuals for your child and how to integrate them into your daily routine.

Conclusion about Using Visuals at Home

Using visuals at home can significantly improve your child’s communication, emotional regulation, and understanding of routines. Visual tools like schedules, choice boards, and emotion cards give children with developmental delays and autism a clearer way to process the world around them.

Whether you’re working with a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, or ESDM therapist, visuals can help bridge the gap between home and therapy. By incorporating these tools into your daily life, you can support your child’s growth and help them feel more confident in their abilities. Our Speech Pathologists are member of Speech Pathology Australia. The OT’s are members of AHPRA. Our ESDM therapists are Certified ESDM Therapists.

If you’re looking for expert support, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot offers specialised services for children with autism and developmental delays. Our speech pathology, occupational therapy, and ESDM therapy programs focus on helping children reach their full potential.

Using Visuals at Home