Just like the board game, the Smart Heart ® Feelings Chart is made with care and a lot of attention to detail.
The A3 sized charts for various ages are visual aids for assisting children to express what they are feeling and why they may be feeling that way.
The charts are:
- versatile, simple, effective and attractive tools
- inspired by children
- developed by psychologists, and
- anchored in practice.
We are still discussing the various options with Smart Heart, but they will be available in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
- About Visual Schedules
A visual support refers to using a picture or other visual item to communicate with a child who has difficulty understanding or using language. Visual supports can be photographs, drawings, objects, written words, or lists.
Visual supports are used with children who are on the autism spectrum for two main reasons:
They help parents communicate better with their child
Children in the spectrum may not understand social cues as they interact with others in daily activities. They may not grasp social expectations, like how to start a conversation, how to respond when
others make social approaches, or how to change behavior based on unspoken social rules. Visual supports can help teach social skills a d children with ASD can use them on their own in social situations.
They help their child communicate better with others
Secondly, children with ASD often find it difficult to understand and follow spoken instructions. They may not be able to express well what they want or need. Visuals can help parents communicate what they expect. This decreases frustration and may help decrease problem behaviors that result from difficulty communicating.
Finally, some children with ASD become anxious when their routines change or they are in unfamiliar situations. Visuals can help them understand what to expect and will happen next and also reduce anxiety. Visuals can help them pay attention to important details and help them cope with change.