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Value of Visual Schedules – Explained by ABA Therapist in Fort Myers
For an ABA therapist in Fort Myers, one of the most powerful tools for supporting children with autism is the visual schedule.
Visual schedules provide a clear, structured way for children to understand their daily routines, expectations, and transitions. They can significantly reduce anxiety, improve communication, and promote independence.
Here, we’ll explore why visual schedules are such a key part of ABA therapy and how they can make a profound difference – not for therapists and in therapy sessions, but in a wide range of settings and situations when parents are instructed on how to create and use them.
1. Predictability Reduces Anxiety
Children with autism often experience heightened anxiety when faced with new or unexpected situations. The world can feel unpredictable, and this uncertainty may lead to challenging behaviors. Visual schedules provide a consistent routine, giving children a clear sense of what will happen next. When a child knows that snack time comes after playtime or that going home follows a therapy session, they feel more secure and can navigate transitions with less stress.
For example, if a child tends to become anxious before an activity like leaving for school, a visual schedule can help them understand the sequence of events that lead up to that moment. This predictability reduces the anxiety that comes from not knowing what’s next.
2. Supporting Communication and Understanding
Many children with autism struggle with verbal communication, making it difficult for them to process spoken instructions or understand verbal cues. A visual schedule provides a non-verbal means of communication, offering a concrete representation of what’s expected. Using pictures, icons, or even written words (depending on the child’s developmental level), a visual schedule can break down complex tasks into manageable, understandable steps.
An ABA therapist in Fort Myers understands that non-verbal children, a visual schedule serves as an accessible way to follow along and engage with their daily activities without relying solely on spoken language. This can lead to better cooperation and participation in tasks, as they understand the flow of their day.
3. Encouraging Independence
Visual schedules promote independence by empowering children to manage their own activities. Instead of relying on adults to tell them what to do next, children can refer to the visual schedule and complete tasks independently. This not only builds confidence but also helps foster self-regulation skills.
For instance, a child can learn to transition from one activity to another, like moving from a sensory break to a learning task, by checking their schedule and following the steps without constant verbal prompting from an adult. Over time, this increased autonomy can lead to greater success both in and outside of therapy sessions.
4. Improving Focus and Attention
Children with autism may struggle to stay focused during long or unfamiliar activities. Visual schedules help to break down activities into smaller, more digestible parts, increasing the child’s ability to concentrate. By having a visual reference point, they can see how much progress they’ve made and what still needs to be done. This can be motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment when tasks are completed.
Additionally, knowing when a preferred activity (such as a play break or snack time) is coming can help children stay engaged in less preferred tasks, as they can visually see that the fun activity is just around the corner.
5. Aiding Transitions Between Activities
Transitions between activities can be particularly difficult for children with autism, often leading to meltdowns or frustration. Visual schedules offer a smooth way to transition from one task to another. By seeing that an activity is coming to an end and another is beginning, children are better prepared mentally and emotionally to make that shift.
For example, a child who struggles with ending playtime and beginning a learning session can benefit from a visual cue showing that play is about to end and it’s time for a different activity. This advance notice helps prepare the child for what’s next, making transitions more manageable.
This approach has been proven effective in study after study.
6. Customizable for Individual Needs
One of the great advantages of visual schedules is their adaptability. Every child is unique, and visual schedules can be customized to meet the individual needs of the child. Some children may prefer simple picture-based schedules, while others may benefit from more detailed written steps. The flexibility of visual schedules allows ABA therapists and parents to tailor them to the child’s developmental level, interests, and specific challenges.
For children who may need extra reinforcement, visual schedules can also be paired with a reward system, where completing each task on the schedule leads to a positive outcome, like earning a sticker or a favorite toy.
Conclusion
In ABA therapy, visual schedules are more than just a tool for organizing a child’s day—they are a bridge to understanding, communication, and independence. They empower children with autism to navigate their world with less anxiety and more confidence. By providing structure, predictability, and support, visual schedules can transform daily routines into opportunities for growth and success.
As a therapist, watching children thrive using these schedules is incredibly rewarding. Whether used at home, in school, or during therapy sessions, visual schedules offer a simple yet powerful way to make life more predictable and manageable for children with autism.
FOCUS offers ABA therapy in Fort Myers, Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
SEPARATE AND COMBINED EFFECTS OF VISUAL SCHEDULES AND EXTINCTION PLUS DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT ON PROBLEM BEHAVIOR OCCASIONED BY TRANSITIONS, Summer 2009, Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis
More Blog Entries:
Behavioral Health Consultants Ask, “What is Being Said With This Action?” Aug. 30, 2024, Fort Myers ABA Therapy Blog
Behavioral Health Consultants Ask, “What is Being Said With This Action?”
At FOCUS Therapy, our child behavior experts (BCBAs) get to the heart of WHY a behavior is occurring. As ABA therapists and behavioral health consultants, we must ask, “What is the child communicating with this act?”
From there, we can go on to teach kids safer, more successful ways to communicate & advocate for themselves. Because as adults, we can only respond effectively if we know the “question”?
Children in general do not yet have the social, emotional, cognitive, or physical capacity always behave in ways that are expected. Most of us take for granted that when a baby cries, they’re trying to tell us something. Yet somehow, we seem to forget that kids don’t automatically become master communicators just because they learn how to talk or have a few years behind them. Even if they know what they want or need (or don’t want), they don’t yet have the skills to communicate in ways we consider socially appropriate. And some kids take more time to learn this than others. As the adults in their life, it’s our job first to “hear” them – and then to teach them how best to communicate that in day-to-day life.
Both in Fort Myers ABA therapy sessions (in-clinic for kids with autism and some other diagnoses) & less-intensive behavior health consulting (in-home, in-clinic or virtual), we teach parents how to address behavior by first starting with the question, “What’s being said?”
FOCUS offers ABA therapy, child behavior consulting, and ADOS testing in Fort Myers, Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
Behavior is Communication, The Florida Center for Early Childhood
More Blog Entries:
FOCUS Behavioral Health Consultants in Lee County, FL Empower Parents
As a parent, it can be incredibly frustrating to see your child struggle with behavior issues such as tantrums, defiance, aggression and social difficulties. While some children may qualify for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA therapy), there are many who do not meet the criteria but still need support. This is where our leading behavioral health consultants step in.
These are board-certified behavioral analysts, experts in child behavior who are qualified to provide children with ABA therapy, who can also help empower parents to help their children overcome behavioral challenges.
Although our services are generally clinic-based in Fort Myers, Florida, we have a bit more flexibility with respect to behavior consulting. We can arrange to meet parents and caregivers in home visits, at school/daycare settings and virtually, as needed.
What Does a Behavioral Health Consultant Do?
Pediatric behavioral health consultants are professionals who specialize in a wide range of behavioral issues in children.
We work with families to develop strategies and interventions tailored to the child’s unique needs.
Using evidence-based approaches, we are able to support children and their families by formulating an effective approach to addressing difficult child behaviors that are impeding their social, emotional, academic and physical well-being.
These services are not typically covered by insurance policies (though they can be). But because it’s on a consultative basis, families are empowered with a tailor-made plan, crafted by a child behavior specialist, as well as the flexibility to simply check in and follow-up as-needed.
Parents also can use it as a stop-gap while their child is on a Florida waiting list for ABA therapy.
Process of Child Behavior Consulting
Why a Speech Therapist for Child Swallowing Issues?
If your child has been diagnosed with swallowing issues, you may be wondering why they’ve been referred to a speech therapist. After all, they may have no issues with talking or communicating. Or maybe they do – but what’s that got to do with feeding & swallowing?
As our Fort Myers speech therapists at FOCUS Therapy can explain: A lot, actually.
In the speech therapy world, we refer to feeding and swallowing difficulties as “dysphasia.”
With kids, dysphasia is closely linked to speech development because both functions share anatomical structures and muscles. The same muscles and structures used in the mouth, through and tongue for eating and swallowing are also used for speaking. If the problem is in these areas, your child likely struggles with both eating and talking.
To effectively swallow, kids need the same coordination and strength of lips, tongue and jaw that they need to clearly articulate speech sounds. Because of this overlap, kids often develop eating and talking skills simultaneously.
Pediatric Speech Therapists Are Uniquely Qualified to Treat Child Swallowing Issues
A Fort Myers speech therapist who works with kids is already highly skilled in helping children work on development of these oral motor functions. So they can also help with swallowing. We undergo rigorous training to assess and treat the complex interaction between swallowing and speech functions. We prioritize a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. This is especially helpful when swallowing issues are less about oral motor function and more about sensory processing difficulties.
A child who is especially sensitive to certain textures, tastes, etc. may have a poor diet that impacts their growth and development. We see this a lot in kids with autism, but other conditions as well. Sometimes it’s a standalone diagnosis. It’s more than just “picky eating,” though. It’s “problem eating.” For these types of cases, many of our pediatric speech therapists (and occupational therapists, as well) are trained in an approach called S.O.S. Feeding Therapy.
S.O.S. stands for “Sequential Oral Sensory,” and the program focuses on an interdisciplinary team assessing and addressing all underlying causes of feeding difficulties. This “whole child” approach focuses on muscles, organ systems, sensory processing, learning/behavior/cognition, development, nutrition and environment. It’s largely play-based and focuses on gradual introduction and acceptance of new foods. FOCUS Therapy is uniquely positioned to provide these services because we already have an interdisciplinary team on site – SLPs, OTs, RBTs, PTs and BCBAs.
A pediatric speech therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to ascertain the underlying reason for the child’s feeding and swallowing difficulties before we create an individually-tailored plan of care.
Feeding & Swallowing Tips for Parents
Why Effective Fort Myers ABA Therapy is Always Culturally Considerate
As experts of behavior science and providers of Fort Myers ABA therapy for kids with autism, an important part of our practice involves being culturally aware and considerate of our patients and their families.
There are many ways in which all kids, no matter their background, are very much the same. These similarities are what allow us to effectively study and understand behavior as a science – and in turn, successfully utilize many of the same evidence-based strategies with lots of different kids.
That said, the most demonstrably effective approach to therapy is one that is holistic. That means we zoom out. Beyond looking at a single deficit or issue, we consider the child as a whole person. We assess their unique strengths, goals, history, supports and environment. Culture is an integral part of this because it plays a significant role in shaping one’s beliefs, values, communication style, routines – and behaviors.
At FOCUS Therapy, we embrace diversity at our multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic – both among our staff and therapists and the patients and families we’re privileged to serve.
Sometimes, patient-therapist cultures align. Other times, they differ. And that’s a beautiful thing! It creates opportunities for us all to connect and learn and grow – as individuals, professionals and members of a shared community.
Ethical standards for behavior analysts compel us to be culturally considerate of patients and families, both in creating behavior support plans (BSPs) and in providing therapy. (Details are spelled out in the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, Section 1.07, published by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.)
But beyond any requirement, care for cultural differences makes us more effective therapists. A few reasons:
- ABA is highly individualized. Behavior treatment goals and procedures are always designed unique for each child. As such, behavior support plans will always be tailored to the specific needs, resources and circumstances of each patient and their family. Understanding a child’s cultural background helps us to create better interventions that are going to be particularly relevant and meaningful.
- It builds trust. The trust and rapport we have with kids and their families is essential to what we do. We’re a team, and it’s important that we can communicate both freely and effectively.
- It improves communication. Cultural differences can impact not just language, but communication styles – verbal and non-verbal. Having an awareness of these differences can help our child behavior therapists bridge the gaps and make the most of our time when we’re talking with families.
Some of the ways in which ABA therapy behavior support plans can incorporate cultural responsiveness:
- Language access. We need to be sure that language isn’t a significant barrier to facilitating care. We have bilingual therapists and staffers. Ensuring parents and families fully understand our goals and approaches – and that they also feel heard and understood – is key.
- Setting culturally-relevant goals. Culture can play a role in how families prioritize certain goals for their child. For instance, being able to functionally participate in a religious ceremony or setting may be very important to some families. Ultimately, we want the skills we’re teaching in ABA to be carried over into all environments. But we may start with a few that are particularly important to that child and that family.
- Flexible approaches. Flexibility is part of what ABA therapy is all about. It’s something we teach basically ALL our patients. As therapists, it’s important that we demonstrate it too. In adapting therapeutic approaches to fit cultural contexts, we might use more culturally-relevant examples, toys or books. We might slightly alter our style, pace or the exact words we’re using. But really, these sort of adjustments are already a part of our routine with all patients and families – because every child is different and ABA therapy never looks exactly the same for each kid anyway.
If you have questions about our ABA therapy or behavior consulting services, our dedicated team of child behavior experts at FOCUS Therapy is happy to discuss!
FOCUS offers child behavior consulting and ABA therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. We also offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, ADOS testing, feeding & swallowing therapy and IEP planning assistance. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
Increasing Cultural Understanding and Diversity in Applied Behavior Analysis, 2017, Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice
More Blog Entries:
ABA Therapy vs. Behavior Consulting, May 3, 2024, Fort Myers ABA Therapy Blog
Why Do We Need Occupational Therapy?
FOCUS offers pediatric speech, occupational, physical, and ABA therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
What is Occupational Therapy? AOTA Brochure
More Blog Entries:
Fort Myers Occupational Therapy Tips for Maximum Attention & Listening, Sept. 19, 2023, Fort Myers Occupational Therapy for Kids Blog
“Social Communication Skills Are Vital” -Child Speech Therapist
Communication is at the heart of WHY we use language. As a Fort Myers child speech therapist, I recognize social communication skills as fundamental in language learning and development.
A significant portion of early intervention speech therapy sessions (especially for children with conditions like autism spectrum disorder) focus on social communication – which may or may not mean actual words. You’ll likely hear your child speech therapist refer to social communication as “pragmatic skills.” This refers to the use of language in social context. Functional social communication enables kids to interact appropriately and effectively with others.
Examples of social communication include:
- Use of language for different purposes in social interactions. Most commonly, these involve greeting, informing, demanding/requesting, and promising.
- Altering language according to the listener’s needs or situation. We don’t speak to small children the way we talk to adults. Kids don’t speak to each other the way they do to their teacher. We don’t use the same tone or volume in a classroom that we do a baseball game. The use of certain politeness markers (ex: please, thank you, excuse me) may be more important in some situations than others. Learning to recognize when our language needs to be adjusted to the listener or situation is a key social communication skill.
- Following rules for conversations or storytelling. This involves things like taking turns in conversations, introducing topics, staying on topic, rephrasing something if misunderstood, use of verbal/non-verbal signals and understanding/using humor, sarcasm and figurative language. Lots of kids struggle with this, but it can be especially difficult for kids with differing abilities.
When kids interact with parents, siblings, peers and teachers, they’re continually learning the nuances of communication. As they develop vocabulary and improve language comprehension, they’re cognitive skills advance and they become more confident in social interactions.
Ultimately, these pragmatic skills factor big time for development, both socially and academically. That’s why your Fort Myers child speech therapist is going to spend a lot of time on it. It’s also fairly simple for parents to incorporate practice opportunities for their kids in everyday interactions and routines.