Picture This: How Visual Supports Help Children Learn and Communicate

The Spark Learning Blog • Posted by Spark Learning on May 13, 2025

What Are Visual Supports and how use them in ABA therapy!

For many children, especially those with autism or other developmental differences, understanding spoken language alone can be challenging. That’s where visual supports come in. Visuals provide a concrete, consistent way to support communication, structure routines, and promote independence. At Spark, we use visual supports throughout our ABA and Speech sessions every day to make learning smoother, more engaging, and (most importantly) fun! Let’s dive into how they work and how you can start using them at home.

Simply put, visual supports are tools that use pictures, symbols, or written words to reinforce understanding and communication. They can be as easy as a picture card labeling the “bathroom” or as complex as a full daily schedule with step-by-step images. No matter the format, visual supports provide predictability, reduce frustration, and build independence. Read on for a few common examples.

Picture Schedules

Many children thrive on routine, but remembering what comes next? Not always so easy. A picture schedule lays out daily activities in a clear, predictable way. When children can see what’s expected, transitions become smoother, and they feel more in control of their day.

At Spark, we use any types of schedules.

• • • First-Then Boards: Showing what’s happening now and what’s coming next
    • Daily Schedules: A sequence of activities with pictures or symbols
    • Task Charts: Breaking down multi-step tasks like handwashing or getting dressed.

An Extra Spark: Try This at Home: Make a simple morning routine chart with pictures of brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast!

Cue Cards

Nobody likes being reminded of something over and over (and over) again. Cue cards are small visual reminders that help reinforce behaviors and give kids a non-verbal, pressure-free way to remember expectations. Instead of relying solely on verbal reminders, cue cards provide consistent, non-intrusive prompts that children can use independently.

• • A “quiet hands” card for group activities
  • A “wait” symbol to encourage patience
  • A “break” card to request time away from a stressful situation

An Extra Spark: Try This at Home: Think about the most common directions or reminders that you give your child. What are three visual cue cards that you could incorporate into your day?

Visual Choice Boards

Ever feel like your child gets overwhelmed when you ask what they want? That’s because open-ended questions can be challenging for some kids. Additionally, many children have difficulty expressing their wants and needs verbally. Choice boards offer a selection of pictures so they can point to or pick what they want, whether it’s a snack, toy, or activity. This reduces frustration and empowers children to make decisions.

An Extra Spark: Try This at Home: Instead of “What do you want to do?” try one of the following:

• • Showing pictures of three activity choices
  • Offering two snack options to point to
  • Letting them pick between crayons or markers for art time

Environmental Labels

Imagine walking into a room where nothing is labeled. You’d be lost, right? Labels help kids feel confident and navigate spaces independently by clearly marking where things belong.  We might place a “bathroom” sign on the door or label toy bins with pictures of their contents. This supports early literacy skills and helps children understand and follow their environment.

An Extra Spark: Try This at Home: Take pictures of your child’s favorite toys and attach them to the bins they are stored in so they know exactly where everything belongs. Practice cleaning up together and explaining the labels!

Why Visual Supports Work

For many kids, especially visual learners, seeing is understanding. Spoken words disappear after they’re said, but visuals? They stick around long enough to make sense. Visual supports bridge the gap between spoken words and understanding. Many children with autism process information more effectively when they can see it rather than just hear it.

Here’s what makes them so powerful:

• • Better Communication – Kids can express needs without frustration
  • More Independence – Routines and tasks become easier to follow
  • Smoother Transitions – Knowing what’s next = less anxiety
  • Stronger Understanding – Expectations are clear, consistent, and easy to remember

How to Use Visual Supports at Home

The best part? You don’t need fancy tools to get started! Some quick and easy ways to use visual supports:

• • Morning Routine Chart – Use pictures to show steps like brushing teeth and getting dressed
  • Choice Board for Playtime – Offer 2-3 activity options in picture form
  • Visual Timer – Show how long an activity will last to prepare for transitions.
  • First-Then Board – “First clean up, then TV” (Trust us, this one is magic!)

Little changes can make a big difference.

The Spark Approach

At Spark, we customize visual supports to fit each child’s needs, whether it’s a full picture schedule, simple cue cards, or personalized social stories. Our goal? To make expectations clear, consistent, and stress-free, so kids feel empowered to communicate, learn, and thrive.

Want to see how visual supports could help your child? Reach out today! We’d love to create a personalized plan that works for your family.

Join our community!

We’re not just an ABA provider—we’re a community. We’re locally owned and proud to serve the Austin-metro area, including north Austin, central Austin, south Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Westlake, Bee Cave, Pflugerville, and more. Beyond one-on-one therapy, we offer additional services to help kids and families thrive:

• Little Sparks – Our early intervention preschool and kinder program designed to build foundational skills through play-based ABA therapy.
• Speech Therapy – Helping children develop communication skills with personalized, engaging speech and language support.
• Summer Camp – A fun, inclusive program where kids build social skills and confidence through structured activities and play.
• Social Skills & Group – Small-group ABA sessions that teach children how to engage, communicate, and navigate social situations.
• Parent Training – Equipping parents with effective ABA strategies to support each child’s growth at home and beyond.

At Spark, we believe that ABA therapy should be engaging, natural, and, most importantly… fun! Our goal is to empower children, support families, and build confidence in every child we work with.