Hook (2 minutes)

• Welcome parents and begin by asking: "Have you ever used pictures, objects, or gestures to help someone understand something better? What was it, and how did it help?" (Allow for 1-2 responses).
• Introduce the lesson by stating: "Today, we're going to explore 'Visual Supports' – what they are, and why they are incredibly valuable, especially for children with autism in our homes."

Connection (3 minutes)

• Briefly explain the objective: "By the end of this session, you'll be able to clearly define what visual supports are and understand why they make such a big difference in the home environment for children with autism."
• Transition to the slide deck: "Let's dive in with our Introductory Slide Deck to get a clearer picture."

What are Visual Supports? (5 minutes)

• Use Slide 2 and Slide 3 of the Introductory Slide Deck.
• Explain what visual supports are with examples: "Visual supports are tools that help children understand expectations, communicate needs, and manage transitions using visual cues like pictures, written words, or objects."
• Discuss different types: visual schedules, first/then boards, choice boards, social stories, token boards. Show physical examples if prepared.

Why Do They Matter? (10 minutes)

• Use Slide 4 and Slide 5 of the Introductory Slide Deck.
• Lead a discussion on the benefits:
  • Improved Communication: "How might seeing a picture of 'snack time' help a child who struggles with verbal communication?"
  • Reduced Anxiety & Behavior Challenges: "If a child knows what's coming next, how might that reduce meltdowns or anxiety?"
  • Increased Independence: "How can a visual checklist for getting ready for school empower a child to do things on their own?"
  • Predictability & Routine: "Why is knowing what to expect so important for children with autism?"
• Encourage parents to share their own experiences or observations.

Personal Reflection (5 minutes)

• Distribute the What I Learned Journal.
• Instruct parents: "Take a few minutes to reflect on what we've discussed. In your What I Learned Journal, I'd like you to write down your personal definition of visual supports and one or two reasons why you think they are important for your child or a child you know."
• Circulate and offer support as parents write. This will lead into the next section as they think about applying this knowledge.

Actionable Steps (5 minutes)

• Distribute the Family Goals Worksheet.
• Explain: "Now that you have a better understanding, let's think about how you might incorporate visual supports into your home. Using this Family Goals Worksheet, identify one specific area in your home routine where a visual support could be helpful. Then, brainstorm one simple visual support you could try to implement."
• Encourage parents to share their ideas with a partner or the whole group if time allows.
• Conclude by reinforcing the power of visual supports and offering further resources or future sessions.