TEACCH Tip#12 – Now We’re Cooking with Visuals
Cooking is a valuable life skill and a fun way to build independence. However, traditional recipes can be challenging for some individuals with autism because they often include multiple steps, measurements, and unfamiliar vocabulary. Visual supports can make cooking more accessible by organizing information, reducing distractions, and clarifying expectations.
Visual Supports for Cooking
- Use matching colors for measurements and measuring cups or spoons. For example, circle all ¼ cup measurements in red if the ¼-cup measuring cup is red.
- Gather all ingredients and materials before starting and organize them on a cookie sheet or placemat.
- Rewrite recipes into a simple checklist with short steps and boxes to check off when completed.
- Place each step on a separate card if too much information on one page feels overwhelming.
- Create a visual dictionary for unfamiliar cooking terms. For example, define “mix” as “stir in a circle 20 times.”
- For younger learners, use picture-based instructions or flipbooks that show one step at a time.
- Pre-measure ingredients when learning measurement concepts is not the goal of the activity.
Helpful Hints
- Clearly show where items belong when finished. Label the sink for used utensils and a tray for ingredients to support cleanup.
- Cooking can be a great opportunity to teach math, measurement, sequencing, and problem-solving skills.
- If fractions and numbers are difficult, use color matching or counting instead. For example, “Use two scoops with the green spoon.”
- Use photos or short video clips to demonstrate steps for individuals who are not yet reading.
- Practice communication, imitation, and turn-taking skills while measuring, stirring, and sharing the finished product.
With the right visual supports, cooking can become a structured, enjoyable, and successful learning experience.