When we teach new skills, many of us naturally explain the steps out loud. For some students, though—especially those who process language differently—spoken directions alone can be overwhelming. Adding visual supports such as step-by-step picture symbols, activity schedules, or task analyses makes learning clearer, reduces stress, and helps children feel successful.
Why Spoken Language Alone Can Be Tricky
Spoken words are fast—they come and go in an instant. For students who are juggling lots of sensory input—the sounds of classmates, the buzz of lights, the feeling of clothing, the smell of lunch—auditory directions may be just one more stream of input to sort through.
It’s not that they can’t understand; it’s that listening, remembering, and acting all at once can take tremendous effort. Without another way to anchor the information, frustration often builds.
How Visuals Make Learning Easier
Visuals are steady. They don’t disappear the way words do. A picture showing “turn on the water” or “get the soap” stays put until the child is ready to act. That predictability makes tasks easier to follow and gives students control—they can check the information at their own pace, without pressure.
Visuals also set a clear expectation: “Here’s what you need to do, and here’s what comes next.” That kind of clarity helps many children build confidence and independence.
The Power of Two Lanes: Multi-Modal Learning
Years ago, I heard Dr. Marlo Thurman, an educator and researcher, describe the sensory system as a “seven-lane highway” of information constantly streaming toward us. Neurotypical individuals often filter out background input and focus on one lane—like listening. But autistic individuals have described experiencing multiple sensory streams at once, which can make it harder to tune everything else out.
When we pair spoken directions with visual cues, we give students an extra lane of access. They don’t have to rely on hearing alone; they can also look, point, and check back. This multi-modal approach reduces the load on auditory processing and makes learning feel more manageable.
A Real-Life Example
Picture a teacher guiding a child through washing hands. The teacher points to each symbol in a visual sequence—turn on water, get soap, rub hands, rinse, dry—while also saying the words aloud. The child isn’t left guessing or trying to remember fleeting directions. Instead, they hear and see the information in a predictable, routine context. Over time, this builds independence and a sense of success.
Why This Matters
Step-by-step visuals aren’t just helpful “extras.” For many students, they’re essential supports that make classrooms and daily routines more accessible. By giving children information they can see and hear, we’re honoring their learning style, decreasing frustration, and setting them up to thrive.
