The role of visual activities in helping autistic people: using pictures and color cards to learn words and concepts

People with autism face challenges in communication and social interaction, which makes traditional educational methods less effective for them. Visual activities, such as the use of pictures and color cards, provide an innovative and effective teaching medium to support learning. These activities rely on exploiting the strong visual abilities of many people with autism to improve their understanding and develop their skills in learning words and concepts.

1. The importance of visual activities for autistic people
   Visual activities rely on images and colors to make learning more clear and interactive. These activities highlight the importance of eye contact, as they help in:

• Simplify complex concepts through visual illustration.
• Enhance attention through the use of attractive images and bright colors.
• Support remembering thanks to the association between images and concepts.
• Reduce stress caused by verbal learning methods that may be difficult.

1. Using pictures to learn words
   Pictures are an effective tool for teaching words because they connect the visual and verbal concept.

Examples of using pictures to learn words:

• Images of everyday objects: use clear images of familiar objects (such as an apple, a ball, a book) with their name written below the image.
• Animated images: images that represent actions (such as running, eating) to teach verbs.
• Categorized images: categorize images by categories (e.g. animals, fruits) to develop classification skills.

How to perform visual activities using images:

• Print clear and colorful pictures of the words you want to teach.
• Show the picture and repeat the word in a clear voice.
• Encourage the child to repeat the word and associate it with the picture.
• Use interactive activities, such as matching the picture with the written word or with the real thing.

1. The role of colored cards in learning concepts
   Color Cards are a flexible educational tool used to teach different concepts such as colors, numbers, letters, and even feelings.

Examples of activities using colored cards:

• Color marking: cards of different colors with the name of the color written on them.
• Emotion education: cards showing faces expressing emotions (e.g. happiness, sadness) to teach emotion recognition.
• Teaching letters and numbers: cards with letters and numbers in distinctive colors.

How to carry out activities using cards:

• Present the card to the child and allow him to look at it with concentration.
• Explain the concept associated with the card using simple words.
• Ask the child to choose the appropriate card when you remember the concept (like “Where is red?””).
• Enhance interaction with games such as matching or arranging cards.

1. The benefits of visual activities for learning words and concepts

• Enhance visual perception: children with autism often have strong visual abilities, which makes learning through images more effective.
• Reduce social stress: learning through visual activities reduces the need for immediate verbal communication, relieving anxiety.
• Encourage self-learning: children can use pictures and cards on their own to learn, which enhances their independence.
• Enhance memorization and Association: Pictures and cards help the child to associate the word with the concept in a visual way that is easy to remember.

1. Tips for using visual activities with autistic people

• Choose Clear and simple images: avoid complex images that may distract the child.
• Use colors wisely: choose bright colors that attract the child’s attention, but without being annoying.
• Repetition: repeat the activity regularly to enhance understanding and remembering.
• Engage the child: encourage the child to touch the pictures or arrange the cards for greater interaction.
• Customize activities: choose images and words that match the child’s interests to increase motivation.

1. Examples of interactive visual activities
   The activity of matching pictures with words:

• Prepare pictures of familiar words.
• Write the words on separate cards.
• Ask the child to match the word with the appropriate picture.

Card classification activity:

• Offer a deck of cards with different colors, shapes or categories.
• Ask the child to classify them (such as putting fruit cards together).

Comic strip activity:

• Use sequential images to illustrate a simple story.
• Help the child to describe the story using pictures.

1. Conclusion
   Visual activities using pictures and color Cards are an effective educational means to support learning words and concepts for people with autism. By enhancing visual perception and offering a flexible learning environment, these activities can significantly contribute to improving language and cognitive skills. Thanks to these tools, teachers and parents can help autistic children develop their abilities and interact better with the world around them.