When a child with autism needs help understanding how to behave in certain social settings, one useful tool is the social story. These stories or packets help students learn necessary skills, preparing them in advance for an event or situation that might occur. Understanding the importance of fire safety or any type of disaster training

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in Visual Supports by Sharon Longo, BA

Picture books generally help kids give context and meaning to the world around them. For children with autism, this doesn’t change. Many children with autism tend to rely on visuals such as pictograms to help them understand and organize information. According to the study, Children with autism and picture books: extending the reading experiences of

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in Visual Supports by Erin Bergman, BA

It may be a generalization, but autism is often linked to a visual learning style. It follows that using flashcards (especially picture cards as visual supports) for learning may be a great tool for parents to help their child on the spectrum. Looking back at our lockdown history, late-night online shopping was replaced by later

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in Visual Supports by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

Parents of autistic children, from my personal experience, are some of the most adventurous and creative people in the world. One reason for that is they parent some of the most gifted and unpredictable people in the world.   Between the exploration of their children’s special interests, braving new professionals in their life, alternative therapies, and

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in Visual Supports by Rachel Andersen

If you’ve wondered how you can use the power of storytelling to teach your child social behaviors—follow this guide to creating social stories. Social stories are an invaluable tool for many families. Perhaps because some kids struggle with certain situations or because learning can be a different experience for them. Whatever the reason, social stories

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in Visual Supports by Frank Hamilton

Video self-modelling is a tool tailored to children on the spectrum to view themselves as authors of their own movie—here’s how you can take advantage of this tool with a tablet. Video self-modeling (VSM) is a strength-based intervention modality that allows a child to view him/herself in a “movie” successfully engaging in a behavior or

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in Visual Supports by Wendi L Johnson, PhD & Hannah Hagler

Discover how video modeling has had a positive and empowering influence on parent-child therapy interactions. In recent years, the use of telehealth services in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has grown substantially. The current health crisis related to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations shifted many ABA providers toward telehealth to deliver services remotely

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in Visual Supports by Bryan Davey, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA and Dr. Maria Gilmour, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Hello, I’m mum to Franklin aged four who was diagnosed with autism at two years old. Franklin is non-verbal, highly sensory, and has learning difficulties.  Franklin being non-verbal has been a huge and heartbreaking concern ever since we realized the words just weren’t coming. While my daughter does not stop speaking from the minute her

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in Visual Supports by Jo Jordan

What are visual supports? Visual supports are non-verbal ways for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to communicate their needs and make sense of the world around them. Children with autism benefit from using visual supports for a variety of reasons. A nonverbal child can use a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate his/her

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in Visual Supports by Katherine G. Hobbs, AA

“Use your words.” How often have we heard parents around the world use this phrase, or at least something like it?  And what do parents mean exactly when they say this to their children?  I remember not quite understanding the meaning of these words when I was in the pre-parenting phase of my life.  You

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in Visual Supports by Emily Davidson

For many children on the autism spectrum, reading facial expressions is a daily struggle.  Is my teacher happy with me or irritated?  Is my sister worried or is she sad? Many children with autism can have a difficult time determining what other people are thinking and feeling, and because of this, struggle to partake in

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in Visual Supports by Amy Tobik, BA

Everyday tasks can prove to be a challenge with an autistic child because he/she might struggle with organization and need constant reminders.  Transitioning from one task to another can cause anxiety or a meltdown to occur.  However, social stories, visual schedules, and reminder strips can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the everyday

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in Visual Supports by Leslie Burby