What are objects of reference?

Objects of reference are objects that can represent an activity, person, or place. These objects stand for something in the same way that words do. For example, a child may get excited when their coat is put on because they know this means they are going outside. Objects of reference can be used alongside other multisensory experiences that appeal to a learner, such as smells and sounds, to support the connection to the activity, person, or place.

What can Objects of reference represent?

They can represent anything that words, signs or symbols can.

Some have a familiar link to an activity, such as a cup, which can represent having a drink. Others can be represented by an abstract thing, such as circle time being represented by a circle of foam fabric. When presented consistently at the start of an activity, the learners will begin to link the object and what will happen.  People can also be represented by something they always wear, such as a wristband or jewellery, known as a personal indicator.

Why use objects of reference?

Some learners need extra help to understand spoken language.
Using objects of reference at every opportunity, the learner begins to link the word, the object and the activity together. It will take time for the learner to build up this link. When objects of reference are understood, they can help a learner:

· To anticipate (know what is about to happen)

· To sequence events (know what is happening now and what will happen next)

· To understand when an activity is finished

· To be able to make choices (show you what they want)

Which people are likely to benefit from using objects of reference?

Those who are visually impaired, have problems interpreting what they see or lack understanding of spoken or visual communication.

Skills and understanding need to be developed to use objects of reference

The ability to discriminate objects by touch, the appreciation, at some level, that an object can mean something and the capacity to remember that a given object has a particular meaning.

How can objects of reference be introduced?

When objects are presented, they can be accompanied by a verbal, sign or symbol explanation. For instance, show the object (cup), say ‘drink’, and immediately give the drink. Repeat as often as necessary for the learner to grasp the connection between the object and its meaning. The action will likely need to be repeated consistently over a period of time before the link is made.

Personalised Objects of Reference

Although we have a standardised set of objects used alongside our visual timetables, we also recognise that personal objects can have more meaning for some learners as they may make their own links as part of their routine; for example, their lunchbox could cue in lunch for them, or their coat could let them know that they are going outside, and their swimming bag could let them know they are going swimming. Some learners may bring their coats to an adult to request to go outside. Personalised objects of reference are respected and encouraged at Brooke for some of our learners.