Visual Supports

Pictures, symbols, photographs, written words, objects, or other visual items used to support communication, learning, and behaviour in individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly autism. Visual supports leverage the strong visual processing abilities common among autistic individuals to provide structure, convey expectations, and reduce anxiety. Common forms include visual schedules, social stories, choice boards, picture labels, and token boards. Research consistently shows that visual supports are effective in educational and therapeutic settings for improving understanding, independence, and task completion.