Beyond Words: Using Visual Supports to Enhance Non-Verbal Communication
Visual supports are an incredibly powerful tool that can be used to improve communication for individuals who are non-speaking or minimally speaking. By adding visual cues, prompts, symbols, icons, and other supports, we can help to make communication more effective and efficient, while also improving both expressive and receptive language outcomes.
There are many benefits to using visual supports when communicating. One of the most significant benefits is that they can help to make language more accessible for individuals who may struggle with verbal communication. This can be particularly important for individuals who have developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, as well as for individuals who have experienced a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other conditions that may impact their ability to communicate verbally.
Visual supports can also help to improve expressive language outcomes by providing individuals with a way to express their thoughts, needs, and wants more clearly and effectively. For example, an individual who is non-speaking may be able to use a visual symbol board or picture exchange communication system to communicate their needs and wants, allowing them to participate more fully in activities and social interactions.
In addition to improving expressive language outcomes, visual supports can also be used to improve receptive language outcomes. This is because visual supports can provide individuals with additional cues and prompts that can help them to better understand what is being communicated to them. For example, a visual schedule can help an individual understand the sequence of activities that will be taking place during the day, while visual cues or prompts can help individuals understand the meaning of words or phrases that may be difficult for them to comprehend.
Visual supports can also be used to improve memory and recall skills. For example, a visual schedule can help an individual remember the steps they need to follow when completing a task, while visual prompts or symbols can help individuals remember important information, such as phone numbers or addresses.
Another benefit of using visual supports is that they can help to reduce anxiety and increase confidence. This is because visual supports provide individuals with a sense of predictability and structure, which can help to reduce uncertainty and confusion. For individuals who may struggle with social communication, visual supports can also provide a way to participate more fully in social interactions, which can help to build confidence and self-esteem.
By adding visual cues, prompts, symbols, icons, and other supports, we can help to make communication more effective and efficient, while also improving both expressive and receptive language outcomes. Whether used in schools, private practice, or other settings, visual supports are an important tool that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals with communication difficulties.
Ganz, J. B., Simpson, R. L., & Corbin-Newsome, J. (2018). Teaching individuals with developmental disabilities to use visual supports: A systematic review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 73, 1-14.
Kent-Walsh, J., Binger, C., & Buchanan, H. (2018). Evidence-based practice in AAC: Visual supports for people with autism spectrum disorder. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 3(11), 64-71.
Drager, K. D., Light, J., & Carlson, R. (2019). The Effect of Visual Scene Displays on Communication in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(7), 2743-2762.
Holyfield, C., Caron, J., & Light, J. (2020). Improving communication outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the use of visual scene displays: A systematic review. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 32(1), 41-60.
