We love to use pictures and images, also known as visual supports, to support your child’s language development. During early communication development, visual supports should be presented while teaching gestures and sign language, as well as modeling verbal speech.
Visuals supports:
- Provide an extra modality or method to reinforce the meaning of the words that your child hears.
- Allow your child to communicate before being able to coordinate spoken language.
- Work as a tool to support your child’s emotional regulation.
***Visual supports are different than a structured Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). PECS is a specific and structured approach to teach the interpersonal component of communication and the idea that symbols have meaning. Professionals that teach and use PECS are trained in the specific process and technique. Visual supports are not a strict system and are an easy way for anyone to support a child’s language development. ***
There are a wide variety of ways in that we can use visual supports to encourage language development.
Some examples are:
- A reminder for parents and caregivers to use specific vocabulary words during daily routines
- These visual supports remind those around your child to provide consistent modeling of target vocabulary during daily routines and activities. These visual supports remind us to describe or narrate the items and actions required for these routines. Consistent use of these words in conjunction with the pictures will help develop your child’s comprehension during these routines. During the teeth brushing routine, point to the steps of the process while the child participates. Place the pictures of items that are used during diaper changes near the changing area and point to them during diaper changes.
- A visual reinforcement of spoken language to help your child understand your words
- With these visual supports, you will not require your child to touch the picture, but model pointing to the visual as you say words that you are using as part of your routine. During your bedtime routine, model using a song board. Do not require your child to touch the board, but model pointing to your selected song. The purpose of this task is to help your child visually engage with the images and have a visual reinforcement of the words you are speaking. If a child reaches out to request a specific song- GREAT! SING IT! Point to the picture of the item that you are adding to your Mr. Potato Head toy. Think aloud while pointing and asking, “should I add the nose or the eyes next?” The “Up” target can be placed on a staircase. You will touch the target and label “up” before walking upstairs with your child.
- A method for a child to communicate before being able to produce spoken language
- Before using words to request, comment, and say “no,” many children are able to ask for an item by touching with four fingers or pointing with a single finger. This skill can be used for reacting to the immediate environment and negating as well. Modeling in this stage of development is critical. Teaching your child to use a visual support to communicate can be a powerful tool. Rather than walking into the kitchen and becoming upset, provide the opportunity for a child to touch the visual to request a food that they want. Use a visual to discuss events during car or block play. Children love to see an exaggerated “Oh no!” after touching the target on the board, as well as laughing together with a parent when something is funny.
- A tool for communication when verbal words are not yet produced or cannot be produced due to frustration
- Often our children are unable to comprehend spoken language when feeling powerful emotions. During these stressful times, adding a visual component to your spoken language can allow the child to actually understand your message. Modeling and teaching the visual prior to feeling upset will allow your child to be familiar with the vocabulary and how to use the board. Providing a familiar visual support can decrease frustration in your child:
- A support for completing steps of a routine or to complete a less enjoyed activity
- Our children do not yet have an adult-like sense of time and can feel overwhelmed when asked to participate in activities that they do not like or want in the moment. To support through these moments, visual schedules or first/ then boards can be used to motivate your child. These types of supports could be their own blog post!
Images can be found in your personal photos, items you have in your home, and internet search engines. It is less important that a picture be a perfect match for a concept (because no image truly expresses “out” or “eat”), but that the visual support be modeled consistently throughout routines. Lamination can support symbols lasting longer but may not be an option for your family. Packing tape works great!
These are just some examples of the many visual supports that can support the language development of your child. If your family participates in speech and language services with a Speech Language Pathologist from Bebe Marin LLC, your provider will have the tools to create visual supports for your home and child. The visual supports we provide are specific to how we can help your child participate in your family’s routines and activities. We cannot wait to support your family!