What are the benefits of using visual aids?
Using visual aids with autistic adults and adults with IDD is so simple yet so effective. Here are some benefits of using visual aids when working with this population:
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>>>Increase a sense of control.
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>>>Reduces anxiety and uncertainty.
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>>>Supports communication.
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>>>Builds positive associations.
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>>>Increases motivation and cooperation.
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>>>Builds trust and predictability.
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Visual aids are especially beneficial to use with individuals who engage in unwanted behaviors and with individuals who struggle with anxiety, trauma, and the unknown.
What is included in this digital download?
You will receive a manual explaining all the benefits of using visual aids, how to use them, and when to use them.
You will also receive 250 real pictures (not cartoon-kid-like pictures) that are appropriate to use with adults. Pictures consist of the following:
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~hygiene tasks
~ food and drinks
~places and activities
~communication (e.g., more, help, stop)
~chores
~clothes
~medical appointments and medication
~popular fast food restaurants and stores
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Samples:
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​You will also receive 3 different styles of template boards:
1. Routine Templates
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Morning/evening routine template: For example, you can show pictures of the morning routine: get dressed, brush teeth, wash face, eat breakfast, pick up for day program/job. You can also have the person decide in which order to do their morning routine by having him/her organize the pictures.
Day program template: There's several activities of places to show what the scheduled outings are for the day such as bowling and then a park for lunch. There's also pictures of several activities of things to do while at day program such as bingo, Jenga, arts/crafts, etc.
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2. Choice Board
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There's a board for making a choice between 2 or 3+ options. For example: deciding what to drink (milk or lemonade), deciding what to eat for a snack (popcorn or pretzels), deciding on what type of exercise to do (taking a walk or lifting weights).......there's 250 pictures the person can use to make choices.
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3. First/Then board and First/Then/Last
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This template is beneficial to use when there's a less-preferred task that needs to get done for health and safety reasons such as brushing teeth. You can show a picture of a toothbrush for the "first", and the "then" can be a preferred activity such as listening to music.
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Using a First/Then board helps individuals to hang in there because good things are coming! Don't we all need a little motivation to do the things that we find boring or unpleasant?
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* Keep in mind that we're not "making" anybody do anything; however, there are certain things that we need to do for our health and safety. Using First/Then can increase cooperation and motivation for doing these less-preferred activities.
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Samples:
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How do I receive the materials?
You will receive a link to download the materials and have immediate access to the PDF files. I suggest printing them in color, laminating them, and using velcro to adhere the pictures to the template boards.
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If you don't have a color printer, there are many places that can print the materials for you. Just email the download as an attachment.