Tailoring Visual Timetables for Each Student's Unique Learning Needs
Visual schedules are a powerful, evidence-based tool that offers a clear and predictable representation of tasks and routines through images or symbols. This approach, often beneficial for individuals with executive functioning difficulties or forms of neurodivergence like Autism and ADHD, can help reduce anxiety, promote better task comprehension, and enhance execution.
The Autism Speaks organisation provides valuable guides for creating personalised visual schedules to support individuals with diverse abilities and neurodiversity. When assessing an individual's needs, consider factors such as the number of steps, their ability to discriminate between pictures, the need for personalised visuals, and the portability and frequency of updates required.
There are various types of visual schedules, including object-based, picture-based, and written word schedules. Digital formats on a smartphone or tablet offer portability and can easily be updated with new photographs and symbols. The process of creating a customised visual schedule includes determining the schedule format, selecting materials and tools, organising the visuals, designing and laying out the schedule, and involving the individual in the process.
Involving the individual in the creation process is beneficial, as it fosters a sense of ownership and ensures the schedule is tailored to their needs. If there are changes in the individual's routine, update the visual schedule accordingly and expect that it may be necessary to prompt or help the learner adjust to the new schedule.
If the individual struggles to follow the schedule, simplify the visuals or break down tasks into smaller steps. If resistance is encountered, try incorporating their favorite activities or rewards into the schedule first. Consistency is key in establishing a routine and habit with the visual schedule. Positive reinforcement, like praise or small rewards, encourages the individual to continue using the visual schedule.
When selecting visuals for visual schedules, consider clarity, consistency, cultural sensitivity, and personalization to ensure the visuals are clear, easy to understand, and recognizable to the individual. The Real-Life Executive Functioning Workbook offers customizable templates for creating visual schedules.
Regularly monitoring the effectiveness of the visual schedule is crucial for its success. Collect and record data on things like completion time, how many steps the learner uses the schedule, and the level of prompting needed to follow the schedule. If the visual schedule is not achieving the desired results after several attempts, reevaluate its effectiveness and seek feedback from the individual.
Explanation of the rationale for using the visual schedule can help increase the individual's motivation to learn to use it. Use visual prompts, such as an arrow or a star next to the current task, to help the individual understand their progress through the schedule. Gradually introducing the visual schedule one step at a time is a helpful strategy during the implementation process.
Be open to making adjustments as routines or goals change. Keep an eye on the individual's engagement with the visual schedule and note any improvements in task completion and time management. Customisation is essential for effective visual schedules, as each person is unique and understanding their skill level, preferences, and challenges is crucial in designing a successful visual schedule.
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