Objects of Reference are objects that are systematically and consistently used with a person to represent people, places, objects and activities. They are used alongside the spoken word.
They can be:-
- Whole object – A cup to represent “drink”.
- Parts of objects – A piece of a seatbelt to represent “car seat” or “going on a car journey”
- A miniature version of the object – A toy train to represent “A real train”
- An item that smells, feels, sounds or looks like the actual object, event or person – a small container of perfume specifically used to represent the person that uses it.
- An item that has no obvious connections to the activity but through using it cautiously and frequently can come to represent the activity – e.g. Lego people to represent school assembly.
They should be:-
- relevant to each individual
- the same objects used on every occasion
- presented immediately before the event or activity they represent
- used every time the activity takes place or the person/object is encountered
- presented in the same way every time
- kept near the person during the event it is representing