About this resource
A short visual story can explain what will happen in a new situation, such as a haircut, a new day program or a flight. This template gives six picture and sentence boxes and guidelines for writing stories that are accurate, reassuring and respectful.
Purpose
To help supporters prepare people for new or difficult situations.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Disability support workers. Also relevant for speech pathologists, educators and school support staff, positive behaviour support practitioners.
Client or participant group: Children and adults who benefit from knowing what to expect.
Practice setting: Home, school, day programs and community.
Suggested uses
- Preparing for new events
- Explaining changes
- Medical or dental appointments
- Travel
Instructions for practitioners
- Write from the person's perspective, in plain language.
- Describe what will happen and what the person might see, hear and feel.
- Include what helps and who will be there.
- Do not use stories to demand compliance; focus on information and reassurance.
- Read it together several times before the event.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Read the story with your supporter.
- Look at the pictures.
- Ask questions.
Accessibility considerations
Use real photos where possible. Match language to the person.
Scope and limitations
A template. Seek speech pathology input for people with complex communication needs.
Research basis
Visual schedules and other visual supports are established evidence-based practices for autistic children and young people, and are widely used with others who benefit from visual information.
- Knight, V., Sartini, E., & Spriggs, A. D. (2015). Evaluating Visual Activity Schedules as Evidence-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(1), 157–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2201-z
- Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina. https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
