Picture symbol: Snack

Problems with communication vary greatly among students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some may have extensive vocabularies while others may be nonverbal. Using picture symbols can be an effective strategy when communicating with nonverbal students with ASD. Pointing to a symbol that represents an object offers a nonverbal child a way to express a need or desire. This picture of a snack enables a student to communicate that she is hungry. Additionally, children may be given choices through the symbols (e.g., a picture of an apple, a banana, and a cookie).