Effective visual aids are one of the greatest assets a person can have. For the user, they are a way to express, understand or process information in a simple way that makes sense to them. For a visual thinker, using visual aids to correctly represent a concept removes the need to convert what is being heard into images. For an individual on the autism spectrum, visual aids and strategies improve communication, reduce or eliminate undesired behaviors and teach appropriate social skills allowing them to participate successfully in daily life.

Visual thinkers-someone who associates all information with imagery-take longer to process, sort through and find the information they need to retrieve or receive information to communicate when converting words into images. Visuals like schedules, token boards and timers (visuals for organization) work for people with autism. They are tried behavioural tools. – Linda Hodgdon, M. Ed., CCC-SLP and consultant for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Current research supports the concept that a person learns and retains visual information more than verbal information. When a person is talking, information is being sent through body language, gestures, voice tone, and volume. The actual spoken words are attributing to less than ten percent of the message being conveyed, meaning that the auditory message is coming and going quickly leaving little opportunity to review it if something is missed or misunderstood. When using visual aids and strategies, the visual messages remains, assisting in supporting the comprehension of the information being shared.

Imagine the joy and success of an individual stringing multiple visual aids together to express, understand or process information. Vizually Speaking is committed to taking action now. Observing, understanding and engaging, using visual aids and strategies will make a difference! For a FREE consultation contact us today.