Choiceworks Visual Support System for Children with Autism

Your children will gain confidence, control and a sense of accomplishment as they navigate tasks and behaviors successfully. Developed with the support of top doctors and child development professionals, the Choiceworks System is made up of three boards; a schedule board, a waiting board and a feelings board. Each board is supported by a short story to read with your child to introduce the system.

The Schedule Board [Blue] makes daily routines a lot more fun and easier to do. Supported by 40 visual symbol magnets, your child can get through morning and bed time routines, get ready for school, go to appointments, and more. Your child chooses his/her reward for successfully completing the tasks.

The Waiting Board [Orange] teaches your child the skills for waiting, turn taking and not interrupting. Through pictures your child is shown what they can do while they are waiting. It even includes a convenient timer!

The Feelings Board [Green] supports your child's ability to gain self-control by providing clear alternatives and expectations. Once they have gained self-control the choice wheels provide options for what to do next.

A parent manual is included which explains how to use the system and provides helpful hints and suggestions.

The Choiceworks System includes: 40 Visual Magnets, 1 Universal Storage Easel, 3 Choiceworks Companion Books, 1 Dry Erase Marker, 1 Digital Timer, 1 Parent Manual, 1 Wall Mount Hardware

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions about using Visual Supports

Q: What are Visual Supports?
A: Visual Supports are pictures or physical objects that help support and aide in comprehension of the written or spoken word. We all use visual supports every day, whether it is the pictures used in directions to assemble a piece of furniture, the drive through menu at McDonald's, or the icons on our computer. Pictures are frequently used in early childhood education with flash cards or counting blocks to help with reading and math.

Q: Who is the Choiceworks system for?
A: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, early childhood regular education (ages 3-9), Attention Deficit Disorder, speech delays, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, behavior issues, cognitive impairment, English as a second language, hearing impairment.

Q: Are visual supports only for children who can't speak?
A: No. Actually, visual supports benefit everyone. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about visual supports.

Questions about using the Choiceworks System

Q: What if the schedule changes?
A: You can either write on the schedule board "Sometimes the Schedule Changes" or use the term "zigger zagger" coined by Dr. Jane Holmes Bernstein at Children's Hospital Boston. When the scheduled activity or event is to occur and unforeseen circumstances come up, for example it starts raining and you can't go outside for recess, you would say something like, "Oops, looks like a "zigger zagger." We'll have to pick another activity to do."

Q: What if one or more of the choices are not available to the child at that time?
A: Use the dry erase marker and draw a line or X over the picture symbol to indicate that this choice is not available right now.

Q: What if I need more pictures or want to use my own?
A: If you have already purchased computer software with picture symbols you can adhere those picture symbols to the blank spaces on the choice wheels or place them over the pictures that you don't wish to utilize. Other great sources for images are Google images, digital cameras, weekly advertisements, food labels and cereal boxes. Bee Visual will be adding additional images to our collection soon!

Q: What is the best way to clean my Choiceworks Board?
A: We suggest dampening a soft cloth with water and wiping the board down periodically. A dime size dab of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel will remove any left over dry erase residue.