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