Living Well With Autism

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  • Welcome
  • Coping
  • Autism handbook
  • Meal time tips
  • Bed time tips
  • Play and engagement tipsClick to open the Play and engagement tips menu
    • Play skills and tips
    • Sensory toys
  • Communication Tips
  • How to Use Picture Cards and SchedulesClick to open the How to Use Picture Cards and Schedules menu
    • Pragmatic Language Visual Helpers
    • Sign Language Visual Helpers
    • Behaviors picture cards
    • Eloping picture cards
    • Self Care Visual Helpers
    • Food Visual Helpers
    • Bedtime Picture Cards and Schedules
    • Cooking Visual Helpers
    • Restaurant Visual Helpers
    • Dentist Visual Helpers and Tips
    • Beach Picture Cards
    • Speech Therapy Picture Cards
    • OT and Sensory Picture Cards
    • Therapeutic Horseback Riding
    • Saint Patrick's Day
    • Mardi Gras Picture Cards and Activities
    • Easter Picture Cards and Activities
    • Halloween Picture Cards and Activities
    • Thanksgiving Picture Cards and Activities
    • Christmas Picture Cards and Activities
    • Holiday Picture Cards
  • How to Use Social StoriesClick to open the How to Use Social Stories menu
    • Social Stories - Health and wellness
    • Puberty Tips and Social Stories
    • Social Stories-Behaviors
    • Social Stories - Personal Safety
    • Social Stories - Self-care and grooming
  • Travel and HolidaysClick to open the Travel and Holidays menu
    • Autism airport survival tips
    • Autism and DisneyWorld
    • Holidays
  • Special interests
  • Safety tips and abuse prevention
  • Online Resources
  • Contact Mary

How to Use Visual Helpers 

Visual helpers like picture cards, schedules, and social stories help your child understand what’s going to happen, make choices, and learn skills.

  • How to make and use various kinds of visual helpers; where to find free printable resources.


  • Learn how to use picture cards and picture schedules with children with autism in this instructional video. Part 1 of 2.


  • Learn how to use picture cards and picture schedules in this instructional video (part 2 of 2).

 Tips

When you're first starting out, use picture cards in a fun and positive way, maybe using the child's special interests as a reinforcement.

When your child is used to them, then you can use them for more difficult communications challenges, like making choices and modifying behavior. 

Whatever you do, don't just use them when things start to break down or as a last resort, because you don't want them just associated with negative events. 

Making Picture Cards Last

You can laminate them and either cut them into separate square picture cards, or leave them whole to use as a conversation board or choice board.

I prefer to cut them up and use them as picture cards, because I think it's easier for the child to focus on one or two cards at a time.

I usually have them laminated at Staples, but you can also use page protectors.  Laminating them makes them durable and almost waterproof.

You'll also want velcro squares (adhere the soft side to the laminated card).

Free Visual Helpers to Print

Sprinkled throughout this site! And check these links

Do2Learn (free picture cards, tips and instructions)

Tinsnips (free visual helpers to download and print)

Autism Picture Cards (free picture cards to download and print)

 

Download and Read

SuperDuper Handout: Can Pictures Help Children With Autism?

SuperDuper Handout: Help Kids Learn Routines With Visual Schedules 

SuperDuper Handout: Getting the Most Out of Boardmaker

Purchase

Boardmaker Software and Accessories

Helpful book for using visual helpers: More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Legal disclaimer: The tools and recommendations on this website are not intended to replace the information, training, and support you may receive from qualified medical and therapeutic professionals. It is the parent's responsibility to verify the accuracy of recommendations and information before implementing changes that may impact the parent's child.

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