I have just come back from a relaxing swim. Have you been to a swimming pool recently? If you have, you may have noticed just how many visuals are available to help. How normal it is to use visuals. How essential they are for us all to function successfully. I hadn't been to this particular pool before, so I was especially grateful. The first 2 doors were clearly labelled as either Male or Female changing rooms. Then, a sign on the toilet door as opposed to the shower door. Next up, a sign pointing the way to the pool. At the pool, a clock on the wall so you could tell the time, signs to show the depth of the water. Visuals to show the pool rules - no dive bombing, no pushing, no dunking etc. Also, a warning visual to weaker swimmers, showing them which end of the pool to stay in. Then there were 5 lanes labelled with numbers 1-5. Often you then see diagrams showing you to either swim clockwise or ant-clockwise. This last visual was missing, so I had to rely on contextual cues, ie the person swimming towards me!
The next time you question how important it is to put visuals in place for a young, or not so young, person with autism, take a look around you, and take note how much you yourself use visuals throughout the day. You might be surprised at just how many you find!
If you have any questions about visuals or any other aspect of speech and language therapy, visit my website www.karenmasseytherapies.com or send me an email to admin@karenmasseytherapies.com and I will be in touch.
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