Visual Supports
What does Visual Supports mean?
Visual supports are pictures, written words, symbols, objects, charts, or schedules that help a child understand what is happening, make choices, follow routines, communicate, or feel prepared for what comes next. Many autistic children and children with other learning differences find that seeing information — rather than only hearing it — makes the world feel clearer and more predictable. Visual supports can be homemade, printed, or delivered through apps and technology.
Why this term matters
Visual supports are one of the most widely used and well-recognized strategies in autism support, and knowing how they work can help families advocate for their use in classrooms, therapy settings, and everyday routines at home.
Canadian context
Schools across Canada are increasingly familiar with visual supports as part of inclusive education planning, and an educational assistant or resource teacher may help create or implement them — how this looks in practice can vary by province, territory, and school board.
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