Visual aids refer to the use of pictures, photographs, gestures, drawings, written words, or other objects to facilitate communication for a student who has difficulty using or understanding language.  They help enable communication between a student and his or her communication partners. In addition, visuals can also be used for scheduling and self regulation. They make changes in routines more salient and can help to provide structure in a child’s world.  Visuals aids are often associated and used with students who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  However, visuals can and are used by everyone.  The little man or woman symbol on public washroom doors are examples of visual aids.

This picture from North Star Paths gives a nice summary of the benefits of using visuals:

Here are some visuals you can use with your child:

Bathroom routines

Blank schedule

Break cards

Calming down strategies

Count down strip

Emotions

Emotion thermometer

Emoji Emotions

Key phrases and words

I want… sentence strip

My “talk about” card

More/Finished/All done

My schedule

My turn your turn cards

Pacing boards

Sequencing board: First Next Then

Token reward

Yes No cards

Visual schedules

Zones of regulation

Home school bridges:  Example 1      Example 2      Example 3

Useful websites

SET-BC resources

Bridges Canada