Communication is at the heart of human connection, yet for some children, expressing their needs, thoughts, and emotions can be a challenge. Children with developmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, hearing impairment, and intellectual disabilities may struggle with verbal communication, leading to frustration and difficulties in social interactions. When words are not enough, or not an option, visual communication systems can bridge the gap.
Visual communication strategies use pictures, symbols, gestures, or written words to support understanding and expression. These systems are widely used in homes, schools, and care settings to enhance communication for children who find spoken language difficult. Whether it’s using picture exchange systems, visual schedules, or communication boards, these tools can help children build independence, reduce anxiety, and improve their ability to interact with others.
Dolly Bhargava’s guide, Getting Started!!! Using Visual Systems to Promote Communication, provides a practical roadmap for parents and caregivers looking to introduce visual supports. In this article, we explore the different types of visual communication systems, why they are effective, and how to implement them in everyday life.
This guide includes downloadable PDFs and video resources to extend and support learning. By the end of this guide you will feel confident in using visual communication systems to support the child in your care, whether at home, in school, or in a care setting.
To begin, we'll consider what exactly is communication.
What is Communication?
Communication is more than just words, it is the foundation of how we connect, share ideas, and understand each other. It involves both sending and receiving messages, using not only speech but also gestures, facial expressions, body language, and visual aids.
For children with disabilities or developmental challenges, traditional spoken communication can be difficult, which is why visual communication systems play such a crucial role in supporting their ability to express themselves and understand others.
Communication can be broken down into three key areas:
-
Receptive Communication – Understanding and processing messages from others.
-
Expressive Communication – Conveying thoughts, needs, and emotions through speech, signs, gestures, or visuals.
-
Social Communication – Engaging in meaningful interactions and conversations with others.
Each of these areas can be strengthened through the use of visual supports, making communication clearer, reducing frustration, and encouraging independence.
Receptive Communication: Understanding Messages and Making Sense of the World
Receptive communication refers to the ability to understand and process messages from others. It is a crucial aspect of overall communication skills, forming the foundation for learning, social interaction, and everyday engagement with the world.
This ability relies on receptive language skills, which involve understanding spoken words, gestures, written language, and even tone of voice. When a child has strong receptive language skills, they can follow instructions, comprehend questions, and grasp the meaning of conversations.
However, for children with developmental conditions or disabilities, understanding language can be challenging, affecting their ability to engage meaningfully with others.
How Do Receptive Language Skills Develop?
From infancy, children begin developing receptive and expressive language. Long before they speak, they listen, observe, and start recognising familiar words, tones, and facial expressions.
Babies respond to their names, react to sounds, and gradually learn to associate words with objects and actions. As they grow, they develop a basic understanding of questions, follow simple directions, and engage in back-and-forth interactions.
This early development is key to later speech and language skills. However, some children may experience difficulties with receptive communication due to specific conditions that impact language processing.
Challenges in Developing Receptive Language Skills
For some people with disabilities, developing receptive language skills can be particularly challenging due to conditions that affect hearing, cognitive processing, or social communication. These difficulties can impact their basic understanding of spoken language, making everyday interactions more complex.
Children with hearing impairment may struggle to recognise words and speech patterns if they cannot hear sounds clearly or at all. Even mild hearing loss can make it difficult to distinguish similar-sounding words, leading to gaps in comprehension. Early intervention, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or sign language, (collectively known as communication aids) can help bridge this gap by providing alternative ways to process language.
For children with autism, receptive communication challenges often stem from difficulties in processing spoken words, understanding non-verbal cues, and grasping figurative language. Some may find it hard to follow verbal instructions, while others struggle with tone of voice or facial expressions. Sensory sensitivities can further complicate their ability to focus on speech, particularly in noisy or overwhelming environments. Visual communication tools, such as picture schedules, social stories, and communication boards, can provide structure and predictability, making language more accessible.
Similarly, children with intellectual disabilities may develop receptive and expressive language at a slower pace. Abstract concepts, sentence structure, and complex vocabulary can be particularly challenging to grasp, affecting their ability to follow instructions or engage in conversations. Visual supports, such as simple images, step-by-step instructions, and repeated exposure to key vocabulary, can enhance comprehension by presenting information in a clear and structured way.
Regardless of the specific challenge, visual communication systems play a vital role in supporting strong receptive language skills. By incorporating visual aids into daily routines, parents and caregivers can help children process information more effectively, reducing frustration and fostering confidence in their communication skills.
Expressive Communication: Conveying Thoughts, Needs, and Emotions
Expressive communication is how we share our thoughts, needs, and emotions with others. It involves not just spoken words but also gestures, facial expressions, body language, and visual cues.
From infancy, children begin developing expressive language, first through crying, babbling, and gestures, and later through words and sentences. As they grow, their ability to communicate effectively becomes more sophisticated, allowing them to engage in conversations, ask for help, and express emotions.
However, for children with communication disabilities, challenges in developing receptive and expressive language can make it difficult to interact with others.
How Expressive Communication Develops
Children learn to express themselves through interaction with caregivers and their environment. In the early stages, they rely on sounds, facial expressions, and appropriate eye contact to signal their needs. As their receptive language skillsgrow, they begin to imitate words and gestures, gradually forming sentences and developing the ability to hold conversations. This natural progression allows children to communicate effectively, using both receptive and expressive communication to understand and respond to others.
For some children, however, this development is delayed or impacted by specific conditions that affect their ability to express themselves. Visual communication systems can provide essential support by offering structured, accessible ways to convey meaning when spoken communication is difficult.
How Developmental Conditions Affect Development of Expressive language skills
Children with visual impairment may struggle with appropriate eye contact and non-verbal expressive language skills such as facial expressions and body language. Because they cannot see visual gestures or responses from others, their ability to pick up on social communication cues may be affected. Tools such as tactile symbols, braille, and auditory-based communication methods can help bridge this gap, allowing them to express themselves in ways that are accessible.
For children with autism for example, expressive communication challenges often involve difficulty with spoken language, gestures, or social interaction. Some autistic children may have limited speech or rely on echolalia (repeating words or phrases), while others may find it difficult to use facial expressions or tone of voice to convey meaning. Visual cues, such as communication boards, speech-generating devices, and structured visual supports, can provide alternative ways to express needs and emotions.
Social Communication: Engaging in Meaningful Interactions
Social communication is the ability to engage with others through conversations, gestures, and shared social cues. It involves understanding turn-taking, using appropriate eye contact, recognising visual cues, and adapting communication to different social settings. For many children, this skill develops naturally as they observe and interact with those around them. However, for children with communication disabilities, challenges in receptive and expressive language can make social interaction more difficult.
For children with hearing impairment for example, social engagement can be impacted by difficulty in following spoken conversations, particularly in noisy environments. Access to a sign language interpreter, speech-to-text technology, or visual supports can help them participate more fully in group interactions.
Children with intellectual disabilities for example may need additional support to understand social expectations and respond appropriately in conversations. Simple visual guides, structured play activities, and step-by-step social scripts can help them build confidence in interacting with others.
By incorporating visual communication systems, parents and caregivers can support children in developing meaningful relationships, helping them communicate effectively and engage with the world around them.
Visual Supports: A Bridge to Effective Communication
For children who face challenges with receptive, expressive, or social communication, visual supports provide a structured and accessible way to enhance understanding and interaction. These tools use symbols, pictures, gestures, written words, or objects to supplement or replace spoken language, making communication clearer and reducing frustration.
Visual supports can take many forms, from simple visual cues like hand gestures or flashcards to more structured systems such as communication boards and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. They are particularly beneficial for children with communication disabilities, helping them communicate effectively by reinforcing spoken words, offering alternatives to speech, and providing consistency in daily routines.
In the following sections, we will explore different types of visual supports, how they work, and practical ways parents and caregivers can integrate them into everyday life.
In addition, this video, 'Getting Started Visual Systems 1', gives real life examples of visual systems in use in a classroom environment and is a great introduction to the use of visual supports. The accompanying booklet also provides lots of information and is a great downloadable resource that you can print at home.
Types of Visual Supports
A visual communication system is a structured approach that integrates various visual tools to support and enhance communication. These systems help children navigate their world with greater confidence by providing clear, consistent ways to understand routines, make choices, and express themselves. Different types of visual supports serve distinct purposes, and they can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each child.
-
Schedules – Visual schedules outline daily routines, helping children anticipate what comes next and reducing anxiety around transitions.
-
Mini Schedules – These break down specific tasks or activities into step-by-step sequences, making complex activities more manageable.
-
Calendars – A visual calendar provides a clear representation of time, allowing children to see upcoming events, holidays, or special activities.
-
Choice Boards – By presenting options in a visual format, choice boards empower children to make decisions, whether it’s selecting a snack, an activity, or a preferred toy.
-
Social Stories – These are short, structured narratives that help children understand social situations, expectations, and appropriate responses in a variety of scenarios.
-
Problem-Solving Charts – Designed to support emotional regulation, these charts provide children with strategies to handle frustration, conflict, or unexpected changes.
-
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) – This system allows children to communicate effectively by exchanging images to express needs and desires, providing an alternative to spoken language.
By incorporating these visual supports into structured communication systems, children can better understand their environment, build independence, and engage more meaningfully with others.
Why Using Visual Supports Helps
Visual communication systems are essential tools for children who struggle with spoken language, processing information, or expressing their needs. By providing a structured and consistent way to communicate, these systems help reduce frustration, increase independence, and improve social interactions.
Children who have difficulty understanding spoken language often benefit from visual aids, as they provide a concrete reference that makes abstract words and concepts easier to grasp. Instead of relying solely on verbal instructions, a child can use picture symbols, written words, or gestures to reinforce understanding.
For those who struggle with expressing their thoughts and needs, visual supports offer an alternative to speech. Communication boards, sign language, or digital speech-generating devices give children a way to share their feelings, make requests, and interact with others without relying solely on verbal language.
Children with attention and processing challenges may find spoken instructions difficult to follow, particularly in busy or noisy environments. Unlike spoken words, which disappear as soon as they are said, static visuals remain available for reference, allowing children to take their time in understanding and responding.
Many children also have unique learning styles that favor visual or tactile input. Visual schedules, step-by-step picture guides, and interactive symbols provide structured learning opportunities that cater to different needs, helping children engage with and retain information more effectively.
By incorporating visual supports into daily routines, parents and caregivers can create an environment where communication is clearer, frustration is minimised, and children feel more empowered to engage with the world around them.
When and Where to Use Visual Supports
Visual communication systems are most effective when they are seamlessly integrated into a child’s daily routine. By using visual supports in familiar environments and during regular activities, children can develop stronger communication skills, build confidence, and become more independent. These tools provide structure and predictability, making transitions smoother and reducing frustration.
Here are some key times and places where visual supports can be beneficial:
-
Morning Routines – Visual schedules can guide children through tasks such as getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and packing their school bag, helping them develop independence in daily self-care.
-
School Activities – Classroom rules, task schedules, and subject timetables help children understand expectations, stay organised, and transition between activities more easily.
-
Mealtimes – Choice boards allow children to select what they want to eat, while step-by-step visual instructions can help with sequencing tasks like washing hands, using cutlery, and cleaning up after a meal.
-
Playtime – Visual supports can encourage children to pick activities, understand turn-taking, and follow simple game instructions, making social interactions smoother and more enjoyable.
-
Shopping Trips – Picture-based shopping lists or visual cues can help children understand what to expect, follow a sequence of tasks, and participate in selecting items, reducing anxiety in busy environments.
By embedding visual supports into everyday life, parents and caregivers create a more accessible and predictable world for children, empowering them to navigate their day with greater ease and independence.
Here are two example visual supports.
-
Example of a 'getting ready in the morning, mini schedule
-
Example of a 'washing hands' mini schedule
More examples can be found in the downloadable booklet.
Practical Tips for Creating Visual Supports
Implementing visual communication systems effectively requires patience, consistency, and adaptation to your child’s unique needs. Here are some practical tips to bear in mind when creating visual supports of your own.
Start Simple
Introduce one or two visual aids first, such as a basic schedule or a choice board, and gradually add more as your child becomes familiar with them.
Be Consistent
Use visual supports daily to reinforce routines and expectations. The more regularly they are used, the more effective they become.
Pair with Speech
Always accompany visual aids with spoken words to strengthen receptive and expressive language skills and encourage verbal communication where possible.
Make it Fun
Engage your child by using colorful, interactive, or themed visuals that match their interests, turning communication into a positive experience.
Customise for Your Child
Adapt visual supports to your child's needs, using real photos, symbols, or drawings that are most meaningful to them.
Encourage Choices
Allow children to use visual tools to express their preferences, such as selecting activities, meals, or play options, to build confidence and independence.
Monitor Progress
Observe how your child responds to visual supports and adjust them as needed to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
Conclusion
Visual communication systems are a powerful tool for supporting children with communication difficulties. Whether through schedules, choice boards, or social stories, these aids empower children to express themselves, understand their world, and engage meaningfully with others.
By integrating visual communication into daily routines, parents and caregivers can create a more inclusive, structured, and stress-free environment for their child’s development.
Empower communication, unlock potential!