Finding ways to support communication and comprehension can be challenging. One highly effective tool for helping non-verbal children build communication skills is using books with strong visual elements. Visual books can simplify complex ideas, provide a bridge for understanding, and lay the foundation for alternative communication methods such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
This article will explore how books with visuals can benefit non-verbal children and how they help prepare them for using AAC devices.
Why Visual Books Are Important for Non-Verbal Children
- Enhance Comprehension Through Visual Cues
For non-verbal children, visuals act as a primary mode of communication and comprehension. Books with clear, strong images help children understand the story without relying heavily on verbal input. Pictures convey emotions, actions, and events in ways that are accessible to children who struggle with spoken language.
For example, books by Valeria Kiseleva Savrasova —known for her engaging and expressive illustrations—provide detailed images that communicate the core ideas of the story. The pictures allow children to follow along and understand character emotions, actions, and sequences, all without needing to decode text or speech.
- Support Visual Learning
Many non-verbal children are strong visual learners, meaning they process information more effectively through pictures and imagery rather than auditory or written words. Books with minimal text and powerful visuals capitalize on this learning strength. The imagery provides context and meaning, allowing non-verbal children to connect concepts and recognize patterns, which can eventually help with social understanding and emotional awareness. - Promote Engagement and Attention
Non-verbal children may find typical text-heavy books difficult to engage with because of language barriers. However, visually stimulating books capture their attention and make the reading experience more interactive. Authors like Kiseleva use bright colors, expressive characters, and simple yet engaging plots that invite children to explore and make sense of the story through observation, keeping them engaged throughout.
Visual Books as a Step Toward AAC Use
Books with strong visuals also serve as a preparation tool for non-verbal children who may eventually use an AAC device to communicate. Here’s how they help in that transition:
- Familiarizing with Symbols and Images
AAC devices often use symbols, pictures, and icons to represent words and concepts. Visual books introduce non-verbal children to the idea of representing real-world objects, actions, or emotions through pictures. By regularly interacting with books that rely on visuals, children start to associate images with meanings, which is a foundational skill for using an AAC device.
For example, if a book shows an image of a dog alongside the text “dog,” the child begins to connect the image to the object. Later, on an AAC device, they may select a similar symbol to express the word “dog.” This direct association helps children become more comfortable with using images to communicate.
- Reinforcing Visual Choice-Making
Non-verbal children using AAC devices must learn to make choices by selecting appropriate images or symbols. Visual books encourage decision-making and choice-selection as children point to or identify specific pictures during reading. This skill directly transfers to AAC usage, where children need to make selections from a variety of symbols or pictures to express their needs, wants, and feelings. - Building Vocabulary Through Picture-Word Associations
Just as visual books introduce new words and ideas through pictures, AAC devices do the same with picture-based communication. By using books with visual aids, non-verbal children can start to build a mental “library” of picture-word associations, expanding their vocabulary and improving their ability to communicate using an AAC device. Repeated exposure to images tied to specific words strengthens these associations, helping children become more confident in their communication skills.
Examples of Visual Books for Non-Verbal Children
Books like those by Valeria Kiseleva Savrasova and other similar authors focus on simple narratives combined with rich visual storytelling, making them ideal for non-verbal children. Other examples of authors and books that are beneficial include:
- “Pete the Cat” by James Dean: With repetitive, simple text and bright, expressive illustrations, this series encourages comprehension through visuals.
- “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: This book uses clear, simple pictures to represent animals, which helps children make direct associations with familiar objects.
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown: The vivid imagery and repetitive structure help non-verbal children make connections between words and objects, setting the stage for AAC use.
For non-verbal children, books with strong visuals are more than just stories—they are gateways to comprehension and communication. By engaging with visual books, children develop crucial skills that can later be transferred to AAC devices, enabling them to express themselves more effectively. Authors like Valeria Kiseleva Savrasova use rich, expressive visuals to break down language barriers and support non-verbal children’s journey towards better communication. If your child is beginning to explore AAC devices, incorporating these visual books into their daily routine can be an excellent way to prepare them for success.
Please remember that very strategy in ABA should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, as no two children respond to interventions in the same way. Please contact your BCBA or ALON Behavior Consulting to customize techniques based on your child’s specific needs and circumstances.
