Visual Supports
Visual supports can be helpful for supporting young people and adults. They are particularly useful for neurodivergent people, such as those on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, dyslexia, hearing impairments or communication needs.
Why use visuals?
Visual supports can aid understanding and reduce levels of anxiety. Speak to a young person themselves about what helps them and to their parent or carer about anything that may be useful.
All people with are different. Some may only be able to process one or two items on a visual story or timetable, whereas others may be able to have a timetable for a whole weekend camp.
When planning for a young person, discussions with parents or carers and the young person will help to adapt visual resources appropriate.
Examples of visual resources that can be created, either for individuals or the whole section, include:
A visual timetable uses objects, pictures, symbols and words to break down steps of a task or a routine throughout the day. It could be used to show the Programme for the term, for a specific activity or for a session. This could be provided for the section as a whole too.
These contain information to help the young person to understand what to expect and what will be expected of them. These could be used to support:
- Understanding of ceremonies within Scouts
- Preparing for upcoming events (such as camps, making The Promise)
- Preparing for changes
- Preparing for particular events and trips
- Transition between sections
Resources available from Scout Store contain basic information and include illustrations for all young people. They explain what Scouts is and about each section, badges and awards. These may be useful to help young people for join Scouts or move up between sections.
A Section Code of Behaviour is a good example of what could be made more visual with symbols and pictures. This could be made for the whole section.
These can be used to support communication or the giving of instructions. This could be written or printed text, symbols, signs, pictures, photographs or objects.
Even if you don’t have a visual timetable to hand during a meeting you can simply create one yourself using a list or drawn symbols. The principles behind a visual timetable help young person, particularly autistic young people, to sequence a complex series of events and it can be presented in many different ways.
Creating visual resources
You can create your own visual resources using photographs, symbols or drawings. Some organisations provide free resources that you can use or adapt for Scouts, while others are available for a small fee. Find out more about our Additional Needs grant.