Visual Supports

Visual supports are any tool presented visually that supports an individual as he or she moves through the day. Visual supports might include, but are not limited to, pictures, written words, objects within the environment, arrangement of the environment or visual boundaries, schedules, maps, labels, organization systems, timelines, and scripts. They are used across settings to support individuals with ASD (National Research Council, 2001).

Visual Supports by the National Professional Development Center on Autism

SmartBoard Activities

• SMART Exchange is a free public sharing sight from SmartBoard where you can download an activity and then make it your own.
  • Search for a book like Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See by Bill Martin, Jr and Eric Carle. Add supports once downloaded.
• Use visual images are from Boardmaker, which is the software that is used for PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
• Download the visuals for a lesson from a teacher sharing website, such as Making Learning Fun and then copy and paste them into a SmartBoard lesson. Then add whatever vocabulary or visuals needed.
• Download a Journeys Curriculum and add PECS visuals.
• Use websites, such as Starfall, that have pre-made lessons or activites
• Use Pinterest.

Helpful Links

• Learning Resources – Hand Pointer
• Autism Speaks 
• Johns Hopkins
• Indiana University Bloomington – Collection of Visual Supports

This video was filmed at Brennen School, Richardson Park Learning Center, Richardson Park Elementary School, and Gauger-Cobbs Middle School.