What are communication boards for autism?

A communication board is a device that displays photos, symbols, or illustrations to help people with limited language skills express themselves. The user can gesture, point to, or blink at images to communicate with others. Communication boards are one type of augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) device.

What are visual communication boards?

A communication board is a visual representation of language—all organized in a very strategic way. In short, it helps children, and especially children with autism, better visualize and understand language.

Who needs a communication board?

Communication boards are particularly useful when such patients want to communicate with their medical team how they feel or what they need to keep them comfortable. A communication board is a low-tech way for people of all ages with communication difficulties to express themselves.

What should I put on a communication board?

Communication boards are usually customized to the individual user. Oftentimes, they have a combination of letters (to spell specific words) and high-frequency/core words (e.g. bathroom, pain, help, food) to help individuals communicate effectively and efficiently.

How do you use the visual board for autism?

Put the visuals on the board (e.g., photos, drawings, written words) that represent the activity you identified. Present the board to the child with a brief, verbal instruction. Try to use the least amount of words possible.

Who needs visual supports?

Visual supports are used with children who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) for two main purposes. They help parents commu- nicate better with their child, and they help their child communicate better with others.

Who is a candidate for PECS?

PECS is a program to assist children to develop a communication system that allows them to meet various needs. Suitable candidates for the program include children who do not speak, who are unintelligible, or who are minimally effective communicators with their present communication system.