Visual support: objects of reference

1. Show the object to your child immediately before the activity it represents, to tell them what is going to happen – for example, hold up a bowl and say “snack time”.

2. Bring the object with you to the activity or place, and keep it nearby – you can even let your child hold it just before and during the activity.

3. Put the object back where it lives to show the activity is finished afterwards.

Once your child is familiar with their objects of reference, they might be able to point to them or bring them to an adult to indicate their wants and needs.

Sometimes, children move away or resist when they’re shown an object – for example, you might show them a nappy and find that they run away. Although frustrating for you, this is actually really good in terms of their communication: they are showing that they understand the object of reference and they are communicating their rejection of the activity!

As well as using objects within your routine, you can also use them when playing – for example, you can find objects to represent your child’s favourite songs (such as a star for Twinkle Twinkle, a spider for Incy Wincy Spider, or a bus for Wheels on the Bus). Your child can learn which object represents which song, and then choose which song you sing by picking an object.

Think carefully about what object your child might already associate with an activity – it might not be the object you expect! For example, you might show your child their bag when you’re going to a playgroup – but your child might associate playgroup with the fluffy rug they always sit on when they’re playing, so some similar fluffy fabric might be more meaningful to them. Try and think about the objects from your child’s perspective, so that it makes sense to them.