www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com/OldCountryBuffetVisual.html OldCountyBuffetVisual
Billy Ray Goes to Old Country Buffet
He pays for his meal

The cashier gives him a ticket

He puts the ticket on the table

Then he goes through the food line to choose his favorite foods

Then he sits at the table and eats quietly

Billy Ray’s Favorites:

Jello
Carrot and Raisin Salad
Salad with Ranch Dressing
Fried Chicken
Fish Sticks
Meatloaf
Chicken Fried Steak
Biscuits and Garlic Bread
Mashed Potatoes with brown gravy
Green Beans
Carrots
Broccoli
Cherry Coke or Orange soda
Ice Cream with Strawberry Syrup

This is an example of a simple visual that has multiple uses.  It was originally created as a visual for Billy Ray to understand the activity.  When we had in-home support staff I added the text box about Billy Ray's favorite foods so that others could take him when I wasn't available to go.  It is also a great estate planning tool.  If my husband or I were suddenly out of Billy Ray's life, someone can look at this visual and see not only where Billy Ray enjoys going, the sequence he needs for comfort and what his favorite foods are.

For more information on using visuals as a part of your estate planning files see Chapter 16 of Parenting Your Complex Child.
This page was last updated: March 29, 2011