Autism, Learning Styles and the Impact of Visual Teaching Methods

Autism, Learning Style and the Impact of Visual Teaching Methods

Visual strategies are widely used when living and working with children and young people with autism as they: 
• Complement the learning style of many with autism. 
• Can be introduced alongside other intervention strategies. 
• Are adaptable, portable and can be used in most situations. 
The use of visual strategies can have a notable impact on how a child with autism experiences home life, as they help to clarify expectations and make abstract concepts more concrete. Visual strategies support children as they develop effective communication, appropriate social interaction, and positive behaviour skills.
This session will consist of a combination of presentations and workshop based activities. It will cover why visual teaching methods work. Parents will become more familiar with how their input will reflect a sound evidence base and be more able to adapt the home environment and individualised activities to meet the needs of the child, in order to enhance learning, play/leisure skills and social interactions. These methods are based on the principles of the TEACCH programme and may help parents provide consistent teaching methods.

Expected Outcomes
Parents and family members will:
• Understand the importance of visual teaching methods in autism.
• Understand how visuals will improve the learning of the child and their experience at home.
• Develop some visual strategies that can be used to support the child.

Course Overview / Content 
• Why visuals work for children with autism.
• Using visuals in the family home and community.
• How to develop visuals and implement visual strategies.