The fact that many people are visual learners while other people are auditory learners is a widely accepted fact. However, when observing the autistic student, one realizes that he/she is an overwhelming visual learner. Many autistic students cannot tolerate noises or vibrations, therefore prefer to remain in quiet places rather than tolerate the noise. A child that is autistic will most likely have difficulty with processing and understanding auditory input. Thus, teaching learning skills, coping skills, and life skills using visual aids is much more effective than using an auditory method.

Follow up:

Visual aids may be used for a large variety of purposes and the learning needs of individuals with autism. Below is a variety of teaching ideas that have been successful for many autistic learners. Read through them so you can decide which would be most helpful for you and your student.

Visual schedules
Autistic children may be told many times to perform a chore and still not comprehend the actions expected of them. Why? An autistic child may have difficulty with processing and understanding written or auditory input.  Create a schedule chart as usual, but instead of writing the chores in their places, place a picture in the spot where and when the child is to perform the activity. Example: A child feeding a pet or a child folding clothes.

Visuals are a good source of communicating with an autistic child. Quite often this child does not understand the emotions that another is trying to convey. He/she may mistake a look of anger when the other person is being serious. Have pictures that show the element of anger as opposed to a serious look. Ask the child to describe the difference between the two.

Laughter to an autistic child may be interpreted as an unfriendly gesture particularly if that child has been bullied in the past. Show photos of genuinely happy people. Oppose them with the jeers on the faces of bullies. Talk to the child about methods of escaping bullying, and why it should be avoided.

Take photos of the child's room when it is well-kept. Have pictures that shows where shoes belong, where a coat is hung, and/or the place the pajamas are kept. These photos will help in building living skills and self-maintenance.  Classroom teachers may also benefit from this procedure by pictorially categorizing where supplies, jackets, learning tools, and toys are to be kept.

Take photos of the child over a time period of several days as he/she prepares for school. Include a clock showing time to get up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, washing face, brushing teeth, packing lunch, getting books, and a clock showing time to go. Post these pictures in the order that these chores should be done in a highly visible place. They will remind the student the steps needed to be ready for school.

Going to a store for something special? Give yourself a little time for preparation. Take photos of the store. Take photos of the clerks, the cash register, money, and a package to bring home. Now the child has a map to follow. He/she will be comfortable going into the store, will be familiar with some of the faces, and will know what is expected of him/her while they are in the store.

Perhaps one of the most helpful of the visual records, is the one that schedules the events of the day.  Photo the daily schedule of the child:  breakfast, school, homework, outside play, dinner, bath, and bed. The child is comforted by seeing the schedule, knowing that it is a set, secure routine to follow. Be sure to take photos or make clock faces that the child can see for reinforcement.

Visual aids for the autistic child keeps the home and the classroom organized and gives the student a sense of routine and structure.