Visual Strategies

Visual strategies are things we SEE. We can call them visual tools or visual supports. We use visual tools to accomplish a purpose. Perhaps we use something visual to help a student understand a situation. Visual strategies involve the presentation of information through colored line drawings, photos and videos as a way of better understanding task expectations. Use of visual strategies involves taking the same kinds of visual tools we all find helpful in everyday life (schedules, calendars, signs/symbols, task charts, animations and information videos) and expanding their use for specific learning objectives.

Visual strategies are designed to:

1) support communication and interactions;

2) organize environments and support learning; and

3) regulate behavior with clear and concise expectations and consequences.

Visual strategies enable children to get the information they need to understand and interact with other people, function independently and behave appropriately. While it is generally understood that visual strategies are important supports for children on the autism spectrum, it is not as well understood that they can be highly effective supports for all learners!