ASD visual supports: complete guide to structuring the environment
Visual supports are essential tools for supporting people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They meet their need for predictability, compensate for difficulties in processing verbal information and reduce anxiety. This guide presents the different types of visual supports and their effective implementation.
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Schedules, visual sequences, pictograms and social stories
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Why visual supports are essential
People with ASD often present a particular cognitive profile: strengths in visual processing, difficulties in auditory and verbal processing. Visual supports exploit these strengths to compensate for difficulties.
| ASD difficulty | How visual helps |
|---|---|
| Difficulty processing rapid verbal information | Visual information remains, we can come back to it |
| Need for predictability and resistance to change | The schedule shows what's going to happen |
| Anxiety about the unknown | Visuals reassure by showing the steps |
| Difficulty with abstract concepts | Visuals make it concrete and understandable |
| Difficulty with generalization | The support can follow in different contexts |
Types of visual supports
📅 Schedules
Show the flow of the day or a period. Allow you to know what's going to happen and prepare for transitions. Essential for reducing anxiety.
📋 Visual sequences
Break down an activity into successive steps: washing hands, getting dressed, packing your schoolbag. Guide towards autonomy in routines.
🚦 Visual rules
Remind expected behaviors in a clear and positive way. More effective than repeated verbal reminders.
📖 Social stories
Short stories that explain a social situation and appropriate behaviors. Prepare for new or difficult situations.
💬 Communication boards
Allow the person to express their needs by pointing to pictograms. Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).
Visual schedule
The visual schedule is often the first support to put in place. It can take different forms depending on the age and level of the person.
Possible formats
- Real objects: for very young or people with impairments
- Photos: personalized, represent the person's reality
- Pictograms: more abstract, allow generalization
- Written words: for readers, agenda or list format
Organization
- Vertical (top to bottom) or horizontal (left to right)
- Plan a system to mark what's done: turn over, move, cross out
- Adapted length: full day or half-day according to capacity
💡 Practical tips
- Check the schedule WITH the person, not just display it
- Always announce changes by modifying the visual support
- Make the support accessible: at the person's height, transportable
- Use the same system everywhere: home, school, leisure
Visual sequences
Sequences break down a complex task into small concrete steps. They are essential for developing autonomy in daily routines.
Examples of useful sequences
- Hygiene: washing hands, brushing teeth, going to the toilet, taking a shower
- Dressing: getting dressed in the morning, undressing, putting on coat
- Meals: setting the table, eating, clearing up
- School: packing schoolbag, settling in class, tidying desk
Creating a sequence
- Analyze the task: what are all the steps?
- Break down into simple and observable steps
- Illustrate each step (photo or pictogram)
- Organize in order, number if needed
- Laminate and place in the relevant location
Visual rules
Visual rules remind expected behaviors in a clear, concise and positive way. They are more effective than repeated verbal reminders which can be perceived as reproaches.
Characteristics of a good visual rule
- Positive: say what to do, not what not to do
- Concrete: observable behavior, not abstract
- Short: one sentence, easy to understand
- Illustrated: image showing the expected behavior
Examples: "I raise my hand to speak" (with image) rather than "Don't speak without permission".
Social stories
Social stories (Carol Gray method) are short and personalized stories that describe a social situation, the relevant cues to notice, and appropriate behaviors.
Typical structure
- Descriptive sentences: describe the situation factually
- Perspective sentences: explain what others think/feel
- Directive sentences: suggest appropriate behavior (with nuance: "I can try to...")
When to use a social story
- Prepare for a new situation: outing, event, new place
- Explain an implicit social rule
- Help understand others' point of view
- Prepare for a change: moving, new school
Effective implementation
🎯 Keys to success
- Personalize: adapt to level, interests, specific needs
- Consistency: use the same supports in all environments
- Involve the person: teach them to actively use the supports
- Train the entourage: all stakeholders must know how to use the supports
- Evolve: adapt when skills progress
- Start simple: one tool at a time, well mastered
Our visual supports to download
📅 Visual schedule
Pictograms and supports to create a personalized schedule. Several formats available.
Download📋 Routine visual sequences
Ready-to-use sequences for daily routines: toileting, dressing, meals.
Download😊 Emotion cards
Photos of faces and pictograms of emotions. To identify and express feelings.
Download⏱️ Visual timer
Tool to materialize the passing of time. Helps with transitions and patience.
DownloadFrequently asked questions
No, on the contrary. Visual supports support language development by making information understandable. They should be used in addition to speech, not instead of it. We show the support while speaking.
From the youngest age. We adapt the format: real objects for the youngest, personalized photos, then more abstract pictograms. There is no minimum age, and adults with ASD also use visual supports.
Several approaches: check that the format is adapted (too abstract? too complex?), that the supports match the child's interests, and that we use them in a motivating way (not as punishment). Introduce gradually, with appreciated activities first.
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