Visual Supports

Most of us utilize visual supports to help us throughout our days. For example, I have a planner to organize meetings and events and I utilize lists to prioritize tasks that I need to do. Even though I am independently successful with these tasks, the goal is not to fade these supports from my life-because they make my life easier! Our goal, is to help individuals with complex communication needs (CCN) determine which visual supports work for them and increase their independence in accessing these supports.

Below you will find some of the proven benefits of visual supports as well as different types of commonly used supports.

Benefits of visual supports:

1. Provides time to focus and process information

2. Provides structure and predictability

3. Provides concrete representation of abstract concepts

4. Reduces stress of unknown expectations

5. Encourages consistency across environments and communication partners

6. Reduces cognitive load (recognition memory, instead of recall memory)

Types of visual supports:

1. Visual schedule

2. First-Then board

3. Task Sequence board

4. Visual representation of rules

5. Social Stories

6. Self-Talk Cards

7. Choice Boards

8. Labeling

In the weeks to come, we will dive deeper into each type of visual support and will provide ideas as to when, where, why, and how these supports can be created and implemented.

Stay Tuned!

-Link Therapies

SymbolStix symbol from the augmentative alternative communication app TouchChat

“Very happy with all of the speech sessions. Our therapist was always willing to answer and explain any questions I had in a way I could easily understand. She worked with me on the goals we focused on and really listened to my concerns. Most importantly my daughter LOVED seeing and “playing” with her each week.”

“We had more than a positive experience, our therapist was flexible, friendly and caring, our son was always happy to see her. Despite the pandemic, she made every effort to meet him either virtually or in person, even when we asked to meet at a local park, she was always ready to create a fun environment for him, innovative in every way to get him engaged. He has made a significant progress in his speech skills. She also made sure to equip us the parents to address his needs and help him to progress. We highly appreciate her help.”

“Our therapist really personalized all of my son's therapy sessions and always created interest and engagement in the work she did with him. They had a great bond! He always looked forward to their sessions!”

“We are deeply grateful for the expertise, compassion, and guidance Laura has provided to our child and family as a whole. She is a bright light in our lives. Thank you so very much for all that you do!”

“Dory Burns was very professional punctual and amazing with my son from barely talking to multiple words I never knew he knew. Thanks for having her on your team to help my son grow into a better version of himself."