(1 PDU) Using Visual Supports to Teach Essential Skills

Visual supports are one of the most powerful tools RBTs have — yet they're often underused or applied inconsistently. This 55-minute PDU-eligible training covers the research behind visual supports and delivers a practical toolkit of ready-to-use strategies for teaching essential skills.

Across three skill areas — self-advocacy, executive functioning, and emotional regulation — you'll learn when and how to use visuals proactively to build real independence in clients.

What You'll Learn

• Why visual supports reduce language load and increase independence, consistency, and retention
• How to use visual tools to teach self-advocacy — All About Me books, self-advocacy phrases, and self-advocacy cards
• Practical strategies for all 8 executive functioning skills, including task initiation, planning, and flexible thinking
• The difference between teaching and supporting emotional regulation — and how to apply each correctly
• Co-regulation strategies that work in the moment without adding instructional pressure

Who Is This For

Designed for RBTs seeking PDU credit, this training is equally valuable as onboarding content for new team members or ongoing professional development for clinic and home-based staff.

Share this course with your entire behavior support team — no additional cost. Everything is included in your BIP Visualized subscription.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the benefits of visual supports and explain how they can improve understanding, independence, retention, and engagement across learning environments.
• Identify practical ways to use visual supports to teach self-advocacy, executive functioning, and emotional regulation skills across different ages and developmental stages.
• Select and implement visual tools and resources that support communication, problem-solving, self-awareness, and independence for diverse learners.

About the Instructor

Morgan van Diepen, M.Ed., BCBA has over 15 years of experience working directly with learners, families, and behavior support teams. She is the founder of ABA Visualized and BIP Visualized, platforms built around making visual behavior support strategies practical and accessible. Visual supports have been a central focus of her clinical work, her published books, and her professional development content throughout her career.

ACE Provider Information

ABA Visualized | ACE Provider #IP-22-0233 | 1 PDU | Online Asynchronous | Published: May 6, 2026

Disclosures

This course may reference content from ABA Visualized published books and/or the BIP Visualized platform, both of which are owned by the instructor.

Complaints and Concerns

Questions or concerns about this course can be submitted in writing to support@bipvisualized.com. If a complaint cannot be resolved directly, participants may file a Notice of Alleged Violation with the BACB at bacb.com/ethics.