Visual Support System For Autistic Kids

by admin on March 4, 2010

choiceworks Visual Support System For Autistic KidsThe Choiceworks Visual Support System is less of a toy for autistic children, and more of a visual aid to help a child with behavior, impulse and/or stability issues.  It comes with three separate boards, each with a different function and idea to help organize and manage the daily routine far better than just winging it.  Without a rhythm, an autistic child can easily become overwhelmed with the simple thought of “What’s coming next?” and trigger episodes and tantrums.  These boards provide a much needed rhythm for a kid with autism.

As a whole, they help a child with autism by providing structure and choice when necessary toward daily activities and allows for learning and experience planning, making choices and then following those choices.

choiceworksblue Visual Support System For Autistic KidsThe first is the blue Schedule Board which allows for scheduling of daily routines and thus makes them more fun and easier to do.  Included are forty pictorial magnets, and your child can get prepared to go through morning and bed time routines, get ready for school, go to appointments, and more. Your child can participate in the scheduling if you wish and can choose their prize for completing each task successfully.

choiceworksorange Visual Support System For Autistic KidsNext is the orange board, which is called the Waiting Board and through repetition helps teach an autistic child the skills for not interrupting, waiting, and taking turn. It has pictures you can add to help give them ideas and suggestions for what they can do while waiting for their next turn. It comes with a built in timer so they know exactly how long they will have to wait.

choiceworksgreen Visual Support System For Autistic KidsLast is the green Feelings Board, which supports a special needs child’s ability to exert self-control through alternatives and expectations. Once they are satisfied with their self-control the choice wheels provide options for what to do next.

Unfortunately for some, these boards are not available separately, you can only buy them as a set.  However, it has been structured to work as a system and was designed in this manner.  Using one board without the others will not be as good as using them all.

These boards will help provide much needed structure and a calming center when needed most.  It help autistic children gain confidence, self-control and independence as they live each day.  Each board comes with a story to read to your child to help introduce the concepts and ideas behind each board and lessen any anxiety they might have.

This set gets top reviews from parents and caregivers of children with ASD, ADHD, PDD, and other behavioral challenges.  Many parents say this help stop tantrums and provided a calming and centering influence on a daily basis.

Many users report buying multiple of these sets, as they like using the Scheduling board to show Morning, Afternoon, and Night activities without having to rearrange the pieces.

Click hear to learn more about the Choiceworks Visual Support System including where to order.

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Welcome To Autism Toys!

by admin on March 4, 2010

My nephew was diagnosed with autism at three years old and not knowing much about it, had no idea what to get him for birthdays and Christmas presents.  He’s almost eleven now and over the years we’ve learned quite a bit about what is and is not an appropriate toy for an autistic child.

We started this site as way for us to share that knowledge of toys for autistic children, and as a place for  parents and relatives to learn about toy and play options for kids with autism.

Have a question or disagree with one of our suggestions?  Are you a parent of an autistic child who loves a certain toy or activity?  Please share it with us and our readers using the comment form below and we’ll make sure to pass it on!

It’s difficult because every child needs and wants are different, especially where autism is concerned.  There is no one size fits all diagnoses and that’s why you hear many people talk about Autism Spectrum Disorders, which encompasses many of different possible diagnosis that share some common threads.  Thus a swing for one autistic child won’t be a good match for another.

Thanks for reading and remember that though the journey can be long and difficult, raising a special needs child should be filled with love and caring and wonder, never anger or resentment!

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