Here we are in a pandemic. Who's so over COVID-19?! We have been adjusting to our Zoom sessions and distance learning. Some of our clients are on hold until we can meet in person and we miss them! We miss meeting in person and sharing that space together. But, here we are. Just because our world looks a bit different does not mean autism supports should stop. If you are unable to work with us or your other service providers at this time for any reason, please consider the value of visuals, because now is not the time to let them go by the wayside. We are here for you. We can help you create visual strategies for home and problem solve if you need the support.
Our mentor, Chris, for years has been sharing the statistic that approximately 95% (or more) of individuals with autism are visual learners. Temple has confirmed that in each and every book, essay, article, and movie she has created. We know this fact, right? We learn A LOT, but do we put it into practice? Visuals can look different for each person. We might think of schedules, first/then task cards, lists, how to demonstrations, sticky notes, pictures, and did I mention schedules? The truth is, when we think the word "schedule", how many of us go right to thinking about PECS and cartoony picture schedules? Yeah, we know but, not what we mean. Visuals can look like a post-it note reminding someone of a task. Visuals can be a broken down task analysis of how to shampoo hair in the shower. They can be a to do list, a planner, a notes app. Visuals can be pictures of a clean closet and how it should stay organized as a reference. When making decisions it could look like a T chart (with two columns). It could be listing expected/unexpected situations or words. It could be a 5 point scale, pictures/lists of activities to choose from, sensory ideas. Words or pictures.
If you or your child are in the visual learner majority, you'll want to make sure you can see your information. Keeping a schedule is important. We're in tough times so we know some times screen time will be lax or your schedule will get wonky. As long as you are trying to have some structure, that will help reduce anxiety. You can also note that caveat that things are subject to change. Ideally, it's helpful to indicate when and how long, but as long as there is a format to follow, that's a good start! It also depends on rigidity. Some will need: Lunch 30 minutes while others just need to see lunch is happening.
The article below is from my undergrad days at WMU. So, it's kind of old... BUT, it's still so relevant. Please give it a read and again if we can help support you during this time we can always answer questions or schedule strategy Zoom conferences or phone calls to help create systems together. We're here to help!
-Coach Megan
Our mentor, Chris, for years has been sharing the statistic that approximately 95% (or more) of individuals with autism are visual learners. Temple has confirmed that in each and every book, essay, article, and movie she has created. We know this fact, right? We learn A LOT, but do we put it into practice? Visuals can look different for each person. We might think of schedules, first/then task cards, lists, how to demonstrations, sticky notes, pictures, and did I mention schedules? The truth is, when we think the word "schedule", how many of us go right to thinking about PECS and cartoony picture schedules? Yeah, we know but, not what we mean. Visuals can look like a post-it note reminding someone of a task. Visuals can be a broken down task analysis of how to shampoo hair in the shower. They can be a to do list, a planner, a notes app. Visuals can be pictures of a clean closet and how it should stay organized as a reference. When making decisions it could look like a T chart (with two columns). It could be listing expected/unexpected situations or words. It could be a 5 point scale, pictures/lists of activities to choose from, sensory ideas. Words or pictures.
If you or your child are in the visual learner majority, you'll want to make sure you can see your information. Keeping a schedule is important. We're in tough times so we know some times screen time will be lax or your schedule will get wonky. As long as you are trying to have some structure, that will help reduce anxiety. You can also note that caveat that things are subject to change. Ideally, it's helpful to indicate when and how long, but as long as there is a format to follow, that's a good start! It also depends on rigidity. Some will need: Lunch 30 minutes while others just need to see lunch is happening.
The article below is from my undergrad days at WMU. So, it's kind of old... BUT, it's still so relevant. Please give it a read and again if we can help support you during this time we can always answer questions or schedule strategy Zoom conferences or phone calls to help create systems together. We're here to help!
-Coach Megan