Interventions to support children with autism often include the use of visual supports, which are cognitive tools to enable
learning and the production of language. Although visual supports are effective in helping to diminish many of the challenges
of autism, they are difficult and time-consuming to create, distribute, and use. In this paper, we present the results of
a qualitative study focused on uncovering design guidelines for interactive visual supports that would address the many challenges
inherent to current tools and practices. We present three prototype systems that address these design challenges with the
use of large group displays, mobile personal devices, and personal recording technologies. We also describe the interventions
associated with these prototypes along with the results from two focus group discussions around the interventions. We present
further design guidance for visual supports and discuss tensions inherent to their design.
Keywords Visual supports - Autism - Education - Assistive technology - Capture and access