Neurominded supports early childhood services, schools and other community organisations to successfully deliver inclusive services that empower neurodivergent children and young people to thrive. Neurominded achieves this through custom workshops and training, as well as practical coaching to develop and implement visual supports like Meerilinga’s Play Communication Boards. This article has been written and supplied by the team at Neurominded.
In early learning environments, one of our biggest challenges (and greatest opportunities) is figuring out how to connect with every child in our care. With children’s diverse development, communication styles, and ways of processing the world it’s not always easy. But there’s a powerful, inclusive tool that can help: visual supports
Visual supports
Many educators are familiar with visual aids like picture schedules, flash cards, social stories, or communication boards – often introduced to support children with additional needs. But these strategies don’t just benefit a few. When we use visible elements as part of our everyday practice, they support everyone, including educators. Think about it… We all rely on visual cues: street signs, calendars, flowcharts, colour-coding – even emojis and memes! Visuals make it easier to communicate, stay organised, and make sense of the world. The same is true for children.
Why Visual Supports Work
Visual supports reduce the load on memory and processing. They make expectations clearer, transitions smoother and choices more concrete. For young children developing language – or those navigating a second language or speech delay – visual cues can bridge the gap when words aren’t enough.
More importantly, visuals increase independence. Instead of relying on adults for constant verbal reminders or help, children can follow a schedule, find materials, make choices, or understand what’s happening next, on their own.
Rethinking Visuals: Not Just for ‘Some’ Kids
Using a puppet to introduce a story, a visual sequence to support self-care routines, or pictures to label learning areas aren’t just helpful for toddlers or diverse learners. These supports help all children understand, engage and feel safe.
By embedding visuals into the natural flow of your day, you’re creating a more inclusive, predictable and empowering environment for every child. These can be as simple as:
- Using pictures or icons to display the daily routine, and other step-by-step procedures.
- Supporting pack-up with colour-coded tubs or visual labels on shelves and materials
- Providing choice boards or visual ‘menus’ to help children make choices independently.
- Pairing verbal instructions with visual cues like gestures, Key Word Sign, or items to reinforce your words.
- Using visual tools like sand timers, “my turn” cards, or “first/next” boards to support abstract concepts like sharing, waiting, and transitioning.
Make It Meaningful
The most effective visuals are the ones that fit your space and your children. In our upcoming webinar, we explore ways to create supports that are relevant, developmentally appropriate and genuinely useful in your setting. Think beyond laminated cards – sometimes the most powerful visuals are the ones you already have: a real object, a photograph, a gesture or a change in lighting.
Start Small, Think Big
Embedding visual language into your daily practice doesn’t mean overhauling everything overnight. Start with one routine or space, observe what works, and build from there. Consistency and collaboration with your team will help make it stick.
When visual supports are used with intention and creativity, they don’t just help children understand what’s happening – they help them feel capable, confident, and connected. That’s a win for everyone.
To see how Meerilinga has been using visual aids like our Play Communication Boards, developed in partnership with Neurominded, click here.
