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Visual Strategies to Support Communication

Visual Strategies to Support Communication. February 7, 2009 Presented by Marjorie Gell, M.A., CCC-SLP Assistive Technology Exchange Center. Visual Learners. Many individuals are visual learners

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Visual Strategies to Support Communication

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  1. Visual Strategies to Support Communication February 7, 2009 Presented by Marjorie Gell, M.A., CCC-SLP Assistive Technology Exchange Center

  2. Visual Learners • Many individuals are visual learners • Visual Learner: an individual who takes in information most successfully through a visual modality

  3. Visual Learners • Require small amounts of auditory information at a time • Visual information • concrete • meaningful • static • permanent

  4. Who can benefit from Visual supports and strategies? • Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders • Individuals with: • Language delays • Developmental delay • auditory processing disorders • learning disabilities • ADD • Other communication disorders

  5. Why use Visual Support? • “Evidence supports that the use of visual systems enhance the likelihood of the development of improvement of oral speech.” (Silverman, 1996) • Hodge (1995) reports that people with Autism need additional time to process language. Visual cues help because they are static and stay in place longer.” • Quill’s research (1995) has shown that people with Autism tend to have problems with abstract thinking, social cognition, communication and attention. These skills are associated with the ability to acquire oral language. Strengths for the child with Autism tend to include concrete thinking, rote memorization and visual/ spatial skills. Using a visually based program supports these strengths.

  6. Visual Supports and Strategies • Gives concrete visual information • Pictures • Objects • Written language • Environmental cues • Gestures • Body movements

  7. Receptive and Expressive Language • Visual Information supports both: • Comprehension: what to expect, what is happening, where am I going, what’s next • Expression: that’s what I want, that’s where I want to go, that’s who I want to see

  8. Examples of Visual Supports: • Visual schedules • Visual calendars • Visual choice boards • First-Then boards • Step- Sequencing • Direction following • Routines

  9. Visual Tools Give Information • Comprehension of Information • Transitioning • What is going to happen? • When it is going to happen? • What are the choices? • What is changing? • Who is coming? • When do I get a break?

  10. Visual Schedules and Calendars • Support Comprehension • Support Expression • Concrete What is happening What is the sequence of events What is the same What is changing or different • Help with transitioning • Behavior Support: Visually show breaks, rewards, preferred activities

  11. Visual Tools Give Directions • Following Directions • Following steps of an activity • Predictable order and sequence

  12. Help Follow Routine • Hang up coat • Put away backpack • Take out books • Sit at desk • Take out homework

  13. Support Expression • Visuals can support: • Making Requests • Making Choices • Expressive Vocabulary • Describing • Sequence of language • Turn-taking • Answering Questions • Retelling information • Retelling sequence of steps

  14. How to Create Visual Tools • Use a form the individual understands quickly and easily • Internet: Google Images, ClipArt • Camera- take photographs • Coupons • Magazines • Logos from containers • Software Programs

  15. Making Visual Tools • Create tools that are universally understood • Be consistent • Keep symbols simple and concrete • Use written labels as well • Supports written language development • Supports literacy/ reading skills

  16. Why use Visual Strategies? • Increase independence • Organization tools • Support Comprehension and Expression • Can be modified over time • Age-appropriate • Change modalities (pictures  written) • Appropriate to environment

  17. Activity • Think of three visual support strategies to promote communication at home.

  18. Questions? Any questions?

  19. References and Resources: • Linda A. Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP • www.usevisualstrategies.com • www.autismstuff.com • Book: Visual Strategies for Improving Communication • DVD’s, CD’s for making visuals • Barbara Bloomfield • www.icontalk.com • Pyramid Educational Products, Inc. • www.pyramidproducts.com • A Pictures Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism, by Andy Bondy, Ph.D. and Lori Frost, M.S., CCC-SLP • Different Roads to Learning • www.difflearn.com

  20. Referral Process for ATEC Services • Contact ATEC Service Coordinator • Submit completed referral packet • Determine funding source • Appointments scheduled • Comprehensive Report which includes: • Equipment and training recommendations • Trial period recommendations • Vendor and price information • Delivery, set-up, training • Maintenance and follow-up support

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