One thing that everyone must remember is that communication is not speech. Communication is a wider umbrella under which speech is just a part of it. When we say autistic people communicate differently, it means that often times they use or feel more comfortable using other modes of communication.
We understand that as a family member, friend or teacher, finding the right mode of communication can be difficult and the barriers cause a lot of misunderstandings. This is why we use Visual Structure.
Visual structures can use any visual component like pictures or objects that symbolize a particular thing. It can be anything ranging from calendars, routines, instructions to choice boards, emotion boards and social stories. This helps us lower the barriers of communication neurotypicals may face while talking to an autistic person who doesn’t use speech. However, it is important to know that this is only one of the many other mediums through which one can communicate. All autistic people do not use Visual Structures.
Avaani Foundation believes Visual Structures are an effective mode of communication for children with Autism. As they grow up and understand more, then they may favor an another medium but till then we train both autistic children and their parents on how they can incorporate visual structures in their lives. For more information and questions, feel absolutely free to contact us through any medium.