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Autism and Play: The Role of Autism Picture Schedules
Understanding the Challenge: Play Skills in Children with Autism
Parenting or teaching a child with autism can presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to the seemingly innate aspects of childhood including playing. We rarely think much about play with the typically developing child. It just is. Typically developing children are naturally drawn to play, in the way a tired mom is drawn to coffee—it's an integral part of everything they do. Through play, they practice essential social, fine and gross motor skills, and learn various cognitive abilities.
But what do you do when a child with autism doesn't exhibit the same inclination for play? Or engages in repetitive play with the same object, day after day? In such cases, these children miss out on valuable learning opportunities. It's essential to note that repetitive activities can have their value, often evolving into meaningful routines for individuals, however, many children can benefit dramatically by being shown the fun of playing with more diverse things or in more creative ways.
The Power of Visual Schedules in Play
A practical approach to enhance play skills in children who struggle to play independently involves the use of visual schedules. While most people familiar with autism might have heard of visual schedules, many have yet to explore their full potential. A visual schedule for play is precisely what it sounds like: visual representations of activities or toys, arranged in a specific order for the child to engage with. This concrete and visual representation offers comfort to many children with autism, aiding them in understanding and participating in play activities effectively.
Defining Your Goals: A Key Step in Using Visual Schedules
Once you've acknowledged the need for a visual schedule in your child's play routine, the crucial first step is to define your specific goals. These goals serve as the guide when deciding if and what kind of play schedule your child might benefit from and can help you get started. Your objectives might range from fostering creativity and encouraging independent play to exploring different areas of the room or engaging with a bigger variety of toys or activities. The beauty of visual schedules lies in their adaptability; they can be tailored to meet a variety of needs and objectives.
Choosing the Right Format: Practicality and Personalization
With your goals clearly outlined, the next step is to choose a format for the visual schedule that best suits your child. There are many options to consider. For instance, you might opt for a tactile approach, using pictures that can be moved from one Velcroed spot to another Velcro spot “done” section. This method provides a tangible sense of accomplishment as each activity is completed. Alternatively, a simple yet effective choice is to use a small dry erase board with simple hand drawn pictures of the activities you would like the child to engage in, each picture being erased as it is completed. This is ideal if you need to change pictures quickly. If you have a child with hyperlexia or an early reader, you can simply write the words of each activity rather than a picture.
Another style that I have been using recently is the flip-up style schedule, where your child can cover each activity as it is completed. This is a good choice if you have a child that would benefit from realistic pictures, but you have a setting where pictures are easily lost.
The visual play schedules can be put on a clipboard that is carried around, can be posted on or around the play area or you can be in a central location such as a large magnetic or dry erase board where the child knows to look.
Remember, the most important consideration is to choose a format that is practical and sustainable within the rhythm of your daily life. Too often, beautifully crafted schedules are introduced with enthusiasm only to be forgotten amidst the chaos of everyday challenges. It's crucial to find a visual schedule that will be easy to find when it is needed and easy for the child to go to as they use the schedule. The key lies in finding something that works for your child in your unique setting.
Additionally, pay attention to the visuals you use for your schedule. Experiment to discover what resonates best with your child – whether it's clip art, hand-drawn images, or realistic photos. Some children respond better to cartoon like clip art, while others need the realistic nature of photos. Interestingly I have found some children that dislike being presented with a ready-made schedule but are intrigued watching the adult draw the activities in front of the child, some even enjoying adding details to the pictures. Understanding your child's preference in visual representations can impact how positively your child feels about following the schedule and so are important to keep in mind.
When you find a visual schedule that fits well with your child's preferences and your daily routine, it's more likely to be used regularly. Consistent use is the key to its effectiveness with any schedule. So, choosing a style your child likes and that is easy for you to follow ensures the schedule becomes a natural part of their day. It provides the necessary structure, helping your child play confidently and happily. Remember, the schedule works best when it's not just a design but a regular part of your child's everyday activities.
Creating or Purchasing a Visual Schedule: Options and Considerations
The next step involves obtaining a visual schedule, and there are a couple of routes you can take. If you enjoy hands-on projects and want to tailor the schedule to your child's interests, making one at home is a great option. If you want to create your own visual play schedule, there are various approaches you can consider that are fairly easy and inexpensive.
You can take photos of toys or activities that you want to include using your phone and then printing them out and putting on a card. Another easy solution is to search for images on platforms like Google Images. It always surprises me the variety of photos that available. If you are looking for an even easier approach, consider using index cards you have drawn simple picture on or even just a small dry erase board with markers.
Regardless of the method you choose, it's essential to consider the wear and tear these cards might face from little hands. To ensure durability, laminating the cards is a great idea. You can invest in a small in-home laminator for convenience, or if you prefer a professional touch, many printing facilities offer lamination services for a small fee.
If you prefer a convenient solution without the hassle of crafting one yourself, pre-made visual schedules are available. You can purchase either of these in my TPT store:
Implementing the Visual Schedule: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s delve into the crucial phase: implementation. When introducing a visual schedule to your child, it's essential to understand it is a learning process. Very few children will understand and use a visual schedule just because it is presented to them.
Begin by modeling the use of the schedule yourself. Walk your child through it, demonstrating how to move from one activity to the next. Some children benefit initially, from hand-over-hand assistance, guiding your child's hands to interact with the schedule. Some children, however, are resistant to this kind of guidance. If your child is resistant just focus on modelling and verbal prompts. Remember, this prompting is temporary; the goal is to fade these prompts gradually, so the child completes the schedule independently.
Start with activities your child genuinely enjoys. These preferred activities serve as positive reinforcements, making the initial experience with the visual schedule engaging and rewarding. As your child becomes accustomed to the schedule, gradually incorporate less preferred activities in the schedule. For instance, if your goal is to expand the variety of toys a child play with and he currently only enjoys lining up blocks, put blocks first on the schedule, then, trains, and then end with blocks. If your goal is to get that same child to play more creatively, begin by putting a picture of lining up blocks, then train down the blocks as if it is a track, and end on lining up more blocks.
This step-by-step approach prevents overwhelming your child and allows them to adjust at their own pace. Sometimes it works to take turns picking out activities so that for every activity you pick, the child picks an activity.
Keep the initial list of activities short, starting with 2-3 items. Over time, you can extend the schedule as your child becomes more comfortable. The gradual increase in activities helps your child build confidence and adapt to the routine organically.
Praise every attempt your child makes at using the visual schedule. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator, boosting their self-esteem and encouraging further engagement. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small they may seem.
Observation and Adaptation: Fine-Tuning the Visual Schedule
Flexibility is key. Pay close attention to your child's cues. If a particular activity isn’t working well or causes distress, be open to adjustments. Children with autism often communicate through their behavior, so observing their reactions can provide valuable insights into what works best for them. Adapt the schedule, accordingly, tailoring it to your child’s evolving needs and preferences.
Celebrating Progress
Remember, the process of implementing a visual schedule is not static; it's a dynamic, evolving journey. Be patient, stay observant, and most importantly, celebrate the progress, no matter how gradual. By adapting and fine-tuning the schedule based on your child's responses, you're creating a personalized and effective tool that empowers them to engage in play with confidence and enthusiasm. 🌟