Free Visual Supports Guide

Download Your Free Visual Support Guide – A Neuroaffirmative Approach to Visual Supports

In this post I talk about the importance of choosing the right visual support and have provided for a free visual support guide together with Free Visual Supports for readers.

For many Autistic individuals, visual supports provide structure, predictability, and communication access, helping them navigate daily routines and transitions. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or an Autistic individual yourself, these supports can be invaluable in reducing uncertainty, supporting self-advocacy, and enhancing independence.

To make high-quality, neuroaffirmative resources more accessible, I have created a FREE Visual Support Guide, available for instant download. This guide includes professionally designed visual supports that can be printed, laminated, and used in a variety of settings.

What’s Included in the Free Visual Support Guide?

This Free visual support guide provides an in-depth breakdown of various types of visual supports, their functions, and best practices for use. Below, I explain how each visual support can be used effectively and why they are important.

1. Schedules

Schedules visually organise time and tasks, reducing uncertainty and enhancing predictability. They help structure the day, clarify expectations, and support transitions between activities.

Types of Schedules in the Guide:

• Daily Schedules – Offer a structured breakdown of daily activities.
• Now & Next Schedules – Provide a short-term focus on immediate and upcoming tasks.
• First-Then Schedules – Help individuals understand sequential tasks, such as “First brush teeth, then read a book.”
• Weekly/Monthly Planners – Give an overview of planned activities over a longer period.
• Checklist Schedules – Enable individuals to track completed tasks, promoting independence.

Why Use Schedules?

1. Reduces anxiety by making the day more predictable.
2. Helps with transitioning between activities.
3. Supports executive functioning and time management.

2. Choice Boards

Choice boards empower individuals by providing structured options, reducing cognitive overload and making decision-making more accessible. These boards allow individuals to express preferences.

Types of Choice Boards in the Guide:

• Food Choice Boards – Assist with selecting meals and snacks.
• Activity Choice Boards – Enable individuals to choose their preferred leisure or learning activities.
• Break & Regulation Choice Boards – Help individuals select sensory or self-regulation strategies.
• Clothing Choice Boards – Support decision-making around outfits, particularly for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Why Use Choice Boards?

1. Encourages autonomy and self-advocacy.
2. Reduces frustration by offering structured choices.
3. Helps individuals communicate needs and preferences.

3. Wait Cards

Wait Cards help individuals understand that they need to pause before accessing something they want, making the concept of waiting more structured and predictable.

Common Uses:

• Teaching the concept of waiting for a turn.
• Indicating that an activity will happen after a set period.
• Supporting transitions where immediate access is not possible.

Why Use Wait Cards?

1. Provides a clear, structured visual cue for waiting.
2. Helps reduce stress and frustration.
3. Can be paired with a visual timer for added predictability.