Autism Awareness: The Life Of A Proud Mother: Visual Lists

Before I even knew there was a name for it or that people had been using this technique with children with autism, I had just figured it out by myself. Visual lists can be a huge game changer in helping your child understand the process of things; which can be extremely helpful for the parents. Because most children with autism have a difficult time with change and/or remembering to do things, having a list with pictures and words eventually will help the child know what to do or expect.
Think about it, we all use things like calendars, cell phones, agendas to help organize our days, weeks, and years. A visual list for a child is the same thing. Though it should be more detailed and animated as to keep the child's attention it serves the same purpose. Just as we use these techniques to prepare us for our day, this will help most children be more at ease because they will know what is supposed to happen next and will feel in control of what is happening.

What helped me a lot was to realize that the way my son, and other people with autism see the world extremely differently than the way that we do. Imagine you are in a large arena full of people and they are all yelling different things at you all at once. That is what is going through the mind of a person who has autism at all times. Though it is hard to imagine your own child having to deal with this on a daily basis, it will help you learn how to teach them what they will need in life.

Please understand, I know that in the beginning it will be very trying and difficult for everyone, but in the end it will help with even the smallest things to bigger ones. Lists can be made for brushing teeth, getting dressed, going to school, going to a friend or families house, doctor's visits, manners in restaurants, etcetera... The possibilities are endless and there is nothing like the satisfaction you get as a parent to watch your child grow and learn knowing you are a big part of that.
We made a morning list, after school list, dinner list, and a night night list and at the end of the week if he did well he had a small reward for working so hard.
I hope that this helps someone out there. If you have any questions please contact me anytime.