Creating Visual Supports
Classroom Set up- Oct 31st, 2023

Creating Visual Supports
Visual supports are pivotal in supporting autistic individuals in their communication, understanding of concepts, and daily routines. However, not all visuals are equally effective for every student. We need to tailor visual supports to meet the individual needs and preferences of our learners. One way we can do this is by creating our own visual supports.
Below, you will find two video demonstrations on how to create your own visuals for your classroom to meet the needs of each student. One demonstration uses Google Drive and Flaticon, and the other uses Canva - both are free platforms.
Creating Visual Supports using Google Slides
Creating Visual Supports using Canva
Tips
- When creating visuals on Google Slides or PowerPoint, I often use a mix of SymbolStix, Smarty Symbols, Flaticon icons, and pictures from the classroom. When creating in Canva, I use all of the above, plus pictures and graphics provided on Canva. Flaticon is free, while SymbolStix and Smarty Symbols require payment for a subscription.
- The size of your visuals will depend on the students using them. Younger students typically do well with larger visuals due to fine motor skills.
- If you have a student who has vision impairment, consult with the vision teacher to find the best size and format.
- If you can't find a graphic or picture that works for your visual, you can take your own!
Shortcuts
Mac Users:
Screenshot: shift + command + 4
Copy: command + C
Paste: command + V
Windows:
Snip (screenshot): windows key + shift + S
Copy ctrl + C
Paste: ctrl + V
Resources
What's Next?
The next Tuesday Tips + Tricks will be on explicitly teaching routines!
- Creating a classroom layout that is visually and physically defined ✔️
- Providing, teaching and using schedules for EVERYONE✔️
- Providing, teaching and using visual supports✔️
- Explicitly teaching routines and expectations
STAR Media Center
Themes First Unit: October's Fall in the Forest
Check out Fall in the Forest in Theme's First! Theme units include original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.
Active Theme Units
November: Thankful for Friends
September : Dinosaur Land
August: Back to School
Updated Demo
Upcoming Professional Development
ASD Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Webinar #2: Using Video Modeling to Increase Student Engagement
Date/Time: December 5th, 2023 from 3:00-4:30
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
Description: Join us for the second ASD EBP Webinar (formally known as STAR Webinars) of the 2023-2024 school year! During this webinar, Michele Glynn, ASD Specialist, will discuss using simple video modeling, modeling, and peer modeling to practice and promote positive behaviors that support student engagement and learning.
Contact Information
Feel free to contact me for any questions or concerns via email or phone. I'm also available to chat via Zoom Mondays from 7:30-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM. If these times do not work for your schedule, please email me and we will find a time that will work for both of us.
Phone Number
612-638-1543
Virtual Office Hours
MONDAYS
7:30-8:00 AM + 3:00-3:30
Questions and suggetions
Use the link below to ask questions about this week's Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks and/or give suggestions on future topics.
Past Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks
Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks is made possible by Minnesota Low Incidence Projects







