Family Members
Home Environment
Schedules
- A First-Then Schedule presents what the individual needs to do now (first) and what he/she will do next (then). Usually the FIRST is a non or less preferred activity followed by the THEN which is a highly preferred activity.
- Example: First – Math homework, Then – Snack or First – Math homework, Then – TV
- Example: First – Virtual Speech, Then Virtual Class or First Virtual Class, Then Lexia
- A First-Next-Then Schedule can be used to facilitate up to 3 transitions. This support can also be used to break down a complex task into steps.
- Examples: First – Wash hands, Next – Sit at table, Then – Dinner or First – Wash hands, Next – Sit at table, Then – Dinosaur toy
- Examples: First – Virtual Speech, Next – Virtual Class, Then – Lunch or First – Virtual APE, Next – Lexia, Then – 10 minute break
- A Daily Schedule shows the individual a sequence of tasks or activities for the day or a specific student. Some may need individual schedules in a format that will meet their needs and address daily schedule changes.
- Noting any doctor appointments or therapy sessions with a visual of that person.
- Speech with Ms. Amy via Zoom – Monday at 4:30 PM
- Dental cleaning with Dr. Bennett – Thursday at 9:00 AM
- Noting any doctor appointments or therapy sessions with a visual of that person.
- A Weekly Schedule shows the individual a visual representation of what their schedule will look like for the week. This will allow the individual to anticipate events ahead of time and plan for any changes noted in their schedule.
- Noting any major schedule changes that would interrupt their routine.
- Early dismissals
- Holiday breaks
- Appointments
- Vacations
- Summer schedule
- Noting any major schedule changes that would interrupt their routine.
Interactive Activity Schedule Template
- This Interactive Activity Schedule can be used to break the task down into smaller, more manageable components and sequence out the steps of the activity. When laminated or inserted into a clear sheet protector, the individual can use a dry erase marker to mark completion for each task and note their preferred reinforcer at the bottom of the support.
- Example: Logging into my virtual class
- Get class materials out: pencil, paper, workbook, etc.
- Turn on computer
- Log into virtual class
- Turn on camera
- Mute microphone
- Working for: Walk Outside
- Example: Using Inhaler
- Shake inhaler for 3 seconds
- Insert inhaler into spacer
- Place mask against face
- Push down on inhaler once
- Hold your breath for 5 seconds – Count to 5
- Slowly breath out for 5 seconds – Count to 5
- Working For: Nintendo Switch
- Example: Logging into my virtual class
- A To Do/All Done support can be used to help the individual organize their time or break down the steps of a difficult task. It’s a visual way to show the individual all of the things they accomplished and what they have left to do.
- Example: Homework – 1. Math workbook (pg. 28), 2. Lexia for 15 minutes, 3. Review science vocabulary words, 4. Outside time!
- Example: Virtual Classwork – 1. Log into Lexia, 2. Put on headphones, 3. Set visual timer for 30 minutes, 4. Complete assigned task
- A Change Alert visual can be used to reflect any changes in their daily schedule or individual routine. This is a priming strategy that will help the individual learn how to be flexible and accept change.
- Examples:
- Instead of: Going to school, We will: Stay home for MLK Day
- Instead of: Eating at home for dinner, We will: Eat at Olive Garden
- Instead of: Going outside during a virtual break, We will: Play a game inside
- Examples:
Transitions
- A Visual Countdown Timer can be used to support transitions by serving as a visual warning that the preferred activity is about to end. You could use a clothespin, arrow, or visual of the activity (inside of the colored circles) to help the individual understand the amount of time they have left.
- Examples: Transitioning off of the iPad, watching TV, playing outside, taking a bath, reading preferred books, completing homework/virtual classwork, engaging in any preferred activity, etc.
- A 5 Minute Countdown can be used to show the individual a visual representation of how many minutes they have left of a preferred or non-preferred activity. You could use a clothespin, arrow, or visual of the activity (inside of the white boxes below each number) to help the individual understand when they need to stop.
- Same examples as above
- An All About Me worksheet is a great way to share personal information about the individual. It gives the individual a chance to introduce themselves to the teacher to share what makes them special and unique. The individual can fill in each section from their perspective or the parents can complete the worksheet from their child’s perspective.
Behavior
Positive Behavior Strategies
- A Token Economy System can be used to teach new skills or reinforce appropriate behaviors. This support can be used to work on academics, behavior, communication, social, or self-help goals. The individual earns a token each time the appropriate skill/behavior is displayed. A reinforcer (of the individual’s choice) is to be provided once he/she receives all tokens.
- Examples: Using this support to provide tokens for the following tasks: completing homework, using eating utensils at dinner, brushing teeth, sharing with sibling, finishing chores, etc.
Self-Management
- The Taking Deep Breaths card is a visual tool that gives the individual something to focus on while he/she works to calm their breathing following a difficult situation. When using this support, the individual would manage their breaths by counting the number of breathings by moving the small visual icons to the card.
- Example: Using this support when the individual gets frustrated during a homework assignment or virtual classwork activity
- A Calm Down Choice Board is a visual tool that provides two or more possible choices of that the individual can choose from to help them calm down in appropriate ways. This is also a helpful tool for individuals with limited communication skills.
- Example: Offering visual choices of how to calm down after losing a video game or fighting with a friend
Communication
Communication Board
A communication board is a support with symbols or pictures that is used to facilitate communication for individuals with limited expressive language. This support can also help the individual understand and comprehend spoken and written language.
Core Communication Board – Meal Time
- A Core Communication Board can be used to target core vocabulary words during unstructured play for younger students. Core vocabulary is a set of frequently used words that can be used in multiple situations and have multiple meanings. The key to this board is MODEL, MODEL, MODEL!
Visual Cue Cards
- A Help Visual Cue Card can be used to give the individual a way to express their need for help.
- Example: Offering the HELP visual during a difficult school assignments at home before the individual gets frustrated. The individual could show the family member the card or bring it to the person.
- A Yes/No Cue Card can be used to give the individual a way to respond to a simple question with a yes or no response.
- Example: Asking the individual simple questions about their school day
- Did you have a good day?
- Did you play with Robbie at recess?
- Did you eat your snack?
- Example: Asking the individual simple questions about their school day
Social Interaction
Social Conversation
Greeting Another Person
Initiating a Conversation
Ending a Conversation
Social Interaction
Turn Taking Visual
Waiting Visuals