Visual supports

What is visual support? 

Visual supports are visual items used to support communication skills. They include pictures, symbols, objects, gestures or actions, signs and written words (just to name a few).  

Imagine you are putting together a tricky bit of furniture. To help you put it together, you might look at symbols showing what tools you need and diagrams showing how everything slots together. You might also read the instructions and watch a video online to see how to do it. These are all examples of visual support- things we can look at to help us understand.  

We find visual supports helpful and so do children, especially if they have challenges with learning to talk and understand words. 

Why is visual support helpful?  

When we talk, the words we say disappear instantly! Visual supports last for a much longer time. When we use visual support at the same time as talking, we give children extra time to understand, prepare for change, and think about how to respond. Visual supports can also help children communicate – for example, children can point at which snack they want to eat from a choice of two.   

Will visuals stop my child talking? 

No, visual support will not stop your child talking. Visual support can make communicating easier and more successful, and can reduce children’s frustration.  

What are some different types of visual support and how can I use them to help my child? 

Real objects 

Help your child’s understanding by showing them as well as telling them. For example, hold up their bag at the same time as saying “time for school”. Show them their plate at the same time as saying “snack time”.  

You can also give your child a choice between two real objects to help them communicate. Hold up two things for your child to choose between, such as ‘apple or cracker?’ at snack time, or ‘wellies or shoes?’ before heading off to the park.   

Gestures, actions and body language 

We often use gestures and body language like nodding our heads or shrugging our shoulders when we talk. From a young age, babies learn to point to tell us what they want.  

Using gestures, actions and body language gives children an extra clue about what we are saying. For example, we could spread our arms wide to talk about a ‘huge animal’. Children can also use gestures and actions to help them communicate their needs. 

Signing 

There are lots of examples of signing systems that can be used to support communication skills, such as Makaton and Signalong. Usually, these would be taught under the guidance of a speech and language therapist.  

Visual timetables 

A visual timetable or timeline is a series of pictures, symbols, or photos that show a child’s routine. They can help a child to understand their routine and prepare them for change.  

Labels 

Use pictures, symbols, or photos to label where your child’s clothes and toys are. This can help your child get what they need by themselves and it may even help them tidy up too! 

How do I choose between photos, pictures, and symbols? 

You may hear people talking about some visuals being easier to understand than others. However, all children are different, and the most important thing is to choose visual supports that work for your child. Think about what they enjoy looking at and what seems to help them best. If possible, seek the guidance of a speech and language therapist to help you make your decision. 

Where can I get more help? 

We have a free speech and language advice line, which is a confidential phone call with an experienced speech and language advisors. During the 30-minute call, you will be given the opportunity to talk through your concerns and questions regarding your child’s development. You can book your phone call here.