Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to be a really organized person to implement a label system?

A: No you don't have to be the most organized person on the block for a labeling system to work. But you might discover that you will benefit as much as the child does when you incorporate a labeling system in your daily routine. It's amazing how much less picking up you will do when there is a "place for everything & everything in its place.”

Q: What if I have labeled everything but my child doesn't seem to notice?

A: Be sure to draw the child's attention to the labels. Point them out at every opportunity. If you feel like you have labeled everything to the point that it is "too much," perhaps the child has "tuned out" the labels you've placed everywhere. If you think this might be the case, to start out in a small way, perhaps labeling just a few of the child's favorite items to begin with. Be sure that you have the child’s attention, hold the label in one hand and the item in the other (if possible, you may have to stand by and point or touch larger items like a TV or computer!), say the name of the item ("Bobby's dinosaur") while showing it to the child, then repeat the process but show the child the picture / label that represents the item, while saying the name of the item again. Once you are sure the child has made the connection between the actual item and the label that represents the item, it won't be long before she will be ready to use more of the labels you have made.

Q: How do I decide what kinds of labels to use? Should I invest in a computer program, use photos, try to draw?

A: Use whatever works the best to help the child understand the information easily and quickly. Generally, the more realistic looking, the better. It shouldn't be too complicated or take too much thought to figure out. If you have to think about it too much, it may be too complicated of a system. If the child has difficulty understanding your system, you may inadvertently have added one more stressor to the child's day. Try to keep it as simple as possible.

Q: What is important to keep in mind about using labels?

A: Like any tool, be sure to use it! You can have the neatest, most easily understood labeling system possible but if you don't implement it and use it, what good is it? Does the child easily understand your system? Can the child recognize or be taught to recognize what the label stands for? After you have a system in place, remember to evaluate it every so often to make sure it is still working for the child.

Q: If I use a camera to make pictures for labels, will I need to be a good photographer?

A: No. Just remember a few basics and you will be a pro in no time. a.) Be sure you know how to operate your camera correctly! Read the manual to know how your camera operates best. This seems like an unnecessary thing to point out, but the more you know about how your camera works, the better your labels will turn out. b.) Take a close-up of the object for which you are making a label. c.) Be aware of what is behind the object you intend to photograph - try to have a plain, simple background to avoid any distractions. d.) Check the film and batteries before using the camera!