ABSTRACT
“Environmental support” is a general term used to define the systematic use of explicit
visual and/or social cues to clarify meaning for children with autism. Environmental
supports can serve as a compensatory means to structure and enhance language understanding,
social engagement, and social-communicative interactions. The unique and atypical
developmental patterns associated with autism provide the rationale for the use of
two environmental supports: visually cued instruction and modified sociolinguistic
input. Using empirical research, multiple examples of environmental supports to enhance
social-communication are provided.
KEY WORDS
autism - communication - instruction
