Using Visual Supports to Help Kids with Speech and Language Delays
Using Visual Supports to Help Kids with Speech and Language Delays
Children with speech and language delays often struggle with verbal communication, making it challenging for them to express their thoughts, understand directions, or participate in conversations. Visual supports—such as pictures, gestures, signs, and written words—can bridge this communication gap by reinforcing language in a way that is easier to understand and process.
For many children, especially those with speech delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or developmental language disorders, visual aids provide a structured and reliable way to communicate. In this guide, we’ll explore how visual supports can enhance speech and language development, the different types available, and how parents and educators can use them effectively.
Why Visual Supports Work for Speech and Language Development
Language is complex, requiring children to listen, process, and respond in real-time. For children with speech and language difficulties, verbal instructions or conversations may be overwhelming. Visual supports provide a clear, consistent way to reinforce language concepts.
How Visual Supports Help Children with Speech Delays:
Reduce frustration and increase confidence – When children can use visuals to communicate, they experience less frustration in expressing themselves.
Improve comprehension – Visuals provide a concrete representation of abstract words or instructions, making it easier for children to understand.
Encourage speech production – Pairing words with images reinforces vocabulary and helps children learn new words.
Support memory and sequencing – Visuals can break down multi-step instructions into manageable steps.
Promote independence – Using visual supports allows children to follow routines and make choices without needing verbal prompts.
By incorporating visual aids into daily routines, children can develop stronger communication skills at their own pace.
Types of Visual Supports for Speech and Language Development
There are many different types of visual supports that can be used depending on a child's specific needs. Below are some of the most effective visual tools for enhancing speech and language skills.
1. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is one of the most widely used visual communication methods for children who struggle with speech.
Uses pictures or symbols to help children request items, make choices, or express emotions.
Teaches functional communication by encouraging a child to hand a picture to request something (e.g., giving a picture of an apple to ask for a snack).
Often used with children who are nonverbal or have limited verbal skills.
Best for: Nonverbal children, children with autism, and those learning to make basic requests.
2. Visual Schedules
A visual schedule uses pictures or symbols to outline daily routines or step-by-step tasks.
Helps children anticipate what comes next, reducing anxiety and resistance to transitions.
Encourages independence by allowing children to follow instructions on their own.
Can be used for morning routines, bedtime routines, classroom schedules, or therapy sessions.
Example: A morning routine visual schedule may include:
Brush teeth
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Put on shoes
Go to school
Best for: Children who struggle with transitions, following multi-step instructions, or understanding time-based activities.
3. First-Then Boards
A First-Then Board helps children understand the order of activities and expectations.
Uses simple images to show what needs to be done first, followed by a preferred activity.
Reinforces task completion by linking a required task (e.g., "First clean up toys") with a reward (e.g., "Then play outside").
Best for: Children who need motivation to complete tasks and struggle with transitions.
4. Gesture-Based and Sign Language Support
For children with speech delays, gestures and basic sign language can be an effective way to bridge communication gaps while speech is developing.
Teaching simple signs for common words (e.g., "more," "help," "eat," "stop") can give children a way to communicate before they develop verbal speech.
Using gestures alongside spoken words reinforces meaning and improves language comprehension.
Best for: Toddlers, preverbal children, and those who struggle with verbal expression.
5. Communication Boards
A communication board contains pictures, symbols, or words that a child can point to in order to express their thoughts, needs, or emotions.
Can be low-tech (laminated paper with pictures) or high-tech (tablet-based speech apps).
Helps children answer questions, make choices, and communicate basic needs.
Commonly used in speech therapy, classrooms, and at home.
Best for: Children with limited speech, those who benefit from nonverbal communication tools.
6. Social Stories and Visual Scripts
Social stories use simple pictures and text to teach social communication skills and expected behaviors in different situations.
Helps children understand social rules, emotions, and appropriate responses.
Can be used to prepare a child for new experiences (e.g., going to the doctor, attending a birthday party).
Visual scripts provide ready-made sentence templates for children who struggle with conversation skills (e.g., “Hi, my name is ___. I like ___.”).
Best for: Children with autism, social communication difficulties, or anxiety about new situations.
How to Use Visual Supports Effectively
1. Keep It Simple and Clear
Use minimal text and clear images that are easy to understand.
Choose visuals that match your child’s developmental level—younger children may benefit from real pictures, while older children can use symbols or words.
2. Be Consistent
Use visual supports regularly in everyday routines so that children become familiar with them.
If using a visual schedule, follow it consistently so the child learns to rely on it for guidance.
3. Pair Visuals with Spoken Words
Always say the word aloud when showing a picture to reinforce speech development.
Example: If using a PECS card for “milk,” say “Milk!” while showing the picture.
4. Encourage Active Use
Have the child point to or hand you a picture to make a request.
Use rewards or praise to reinforce communication efforts.
5. Adapt Visuals to Your Child’s Needs
If a child prefers digital tools, use tablet-based communication apps.
If a child responds better to physical objects, use real pictures rather than abstract symbols.
When to Seek Professional Help
While visual supports are highly effective, some children may need additional help from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to develop verbal communication skills. Consider seeking professional help if:
Your child struggles to communicate even with visual supports.
Your child shows frustration with communication efforts.
Your child is not responding to verbal language or gestures.
You need help customizing a communication plan for your child’s specific needs.
An SLP can assess your child’s speech and language abilities and recommend personalized strategies and tools to improve communication.
Final Thoughts
Visual supports are a powerful tool for helping children with speech and language delays. Whether using PECS, visual schedules, communication boards, or social stories, these aids provide structure, clarity, and confidence in communication.
By incorporating visual supports into daily routines and pairing them with verbal communication, parents and educators can create a language-rich environment that supports speech development.
If you need guidance on how to implement visual supports effectively, reach out to us today to schedule a free evaluation. Early intervention can make a world of difference in helping your child communicate successfully!