Did you know that creating a supportive communication environment for students is a bit like going on a diet? Both situations require us to change our behavior.

We know that using visual strategies can provide powerful support for our students. Yet, there are people who have doubt. They are convinced that
THEIR student is different. That uncertainty prevents them from embracing all
the possibilities.

One of the most commonly asked questions at my seminars is how to get
“some other person” to use visuals with a specific student. Perhaps this is
the greatest challenge.

It makes me think of those interventions they do with people who have serious problems. Loved ones gather around to proclaim the need for change.

Change is hard
Some people love the challenge of something new. Yet others prefer doing things THEIR own way. Reluctant to change. (I guess in autism terms we might use descriptive words like rigid or lacking flexibility. Hmmm . . . .)

You have a decision to make
Many people don’t need to think about dieting. But some of us do. Then we have to make a decision to change our behavior to achieve our goal. The most important part of dieting is making the decision to make a change.

Choosing to use visual strategies to provide support for students requires a decision too. The people who have achieved the greatest success with students are those who have made a real commitment to this approach.

Without that sense of purpose you end up with . . .

Up & Down . . . On & Off
Ever heard of “yo yo” dieting? Sometimes you do. Sometimes you cheat. You lose weight only to gain it back. Lots of struggle with limited rewards.

Unfortunately, some people start out enthusiastically intending to use visual tools but they quickly forget. It is like going on and off a diet. This can frustrate students. They won’t respond well to this inconsistency.

But . . . do you know how students can thrive?

Create a NO FAIL environment
What does that mean? I frequently have people ask me how to handle students who have lots of challenges. I answer by asking a question.

“What support does that student need to have a totally successful day?” Good question isn’t it? It shows you where to begin.

When you diet, you can’t eat what’s not there. Getting trouble foods out of your environment can help you be successful. Visual strategies invite the opposite. Student’s can’t benefit from what’s not there. Adding more visual helpers makes the difference.

And what about the results?

Program yourself for success
There is no “one-size-fits-all” in diets or in using visual strategies. Develop a plan to follow. Make small deliberate changes in how you communicate. Watch for what works best and do it more.

And be sure YOU have the support you need . . .

Develop a circle of support
Accountability works. Ask for help when you need it. Share your successes
with someone. Help someone else get started. Good suggestions for lots of
things in life.

The bottom line . . . using visual strategies can help students participate more successfully in their life activities.

Food for thought as a new school year begins. (Interesting choice of words!)


© 2009 Linda Hodgdon

5th Anniversary Issue Features Lorna Wing and Temple Grandin


Autism Spectrum Quarterly launches an exciting new concept in intervention—the SOCIAL-AFFECTIVE DIET! But wait, there’s more: Informative “how to” articles on increasing reading comprehension skills; helping children and teens negotiate life in the fast (social) lane; and teaching job interviewing skills to adults. Up for a little romance? ASQ’s couple on the cover shares their inspiring story of being young, being in love, and having autism. And, as always, ASQ has you covered on the research front!

Our November issue won’t let you down either! Lorna Wing returns; Simon Baron-Cohen writes about empathy; Howard Shane addresses visual language; and regular columnists Barry Prizant and Teresa Bolick offer gems of wisdom from the trenches!

5th Anniversary Limited Time Offer: Get 5 magazines for the price of 4
— Just $29.95(plus $5 s/h). Enter promo code: ASQ5Y