Family Members




Home Environment


Schedules


First Then Template

  • 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

First Next Then Template

  • 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

Daily Schedule Template

  • 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

Weekly Schedule Template

  • 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

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
      1.  Get class materials out: pencil, paper, workbook, etc.
      2. Turn on computer
      3. Log into virtual class
      4. Turn on camera
      5. Mute microphone
      6. Working for: Walk Outside
    • Example: Using Inhaler
      1. Shake inhaler for 3 seconds
      2. Insert inhaler into spacer
      3. Place mask against face
      4. Push down on inhaler once
      5. Hold your breath for 5 seconds – Count to 5
      6. Slowly breath out for 5 seconds – Count to 5
      7. Working For: Nintendo Switch

To Do/All Done Template

  • 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

Change Alert Template

  • 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

Transitions

Visual Countdown Timer

  • 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.

5 Minute Countdown Visual

  • 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

All About Me Template

  • 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


Token Economy System

  • 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

Taking Deep Breaths

  • 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

Calm Down Choice Board

  • 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

Help 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.

Yes/No Cue Cards

  • 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?

Social Interaction


Social Conversation


Greeting Another Person

  • A Greeting task analysis will break down the skill of saying hello to a familiar person or introducing yourself to an unfamiliar person. Some individuals may need visuals to learn this skill, while other may only need written words.
    • Example: Using this support to greet a family friend at the grocery store

Initiating a Conversation

  • An Initiating a Conversation task analysis will break down the skill of starting a conversation about a shared topic. Some individuals may need visuals to learn this skill, while other may only need written words.
    • Example: Using this support to initiate a conversation with a friend at summer camp or a sports game

Ending a Conversation

  • An Ending a Conversation task analysis will break down the skill of terminating a conversation when you run out of things to say or have other plans. Some individuals may need visuals to learn this skill, while other may only need written words.
    • Example: Using this support to end a conversation at dinner time with parents

Social Interaction

Turn Taking Visual

  • A Taking Turns visual can be used to facilitate interactions with more than one person during an activity or conversation. This support provides the individual with a visual cue of whose turn it is and helps them understand how turn-taking works.
    • Example: Using this support to work on taking turns during play with a sibling/parent or taking turns speaking during a conversation.

Waiting Visuals

  • A Wait Card visual is used to teach the concept of waiting during activities and interactions. When using the wait card, provide the visual to the individual and give a verbal direction (example: “wait” or “you are waiting for…”). When the individual’s wait time has expired, remove the card and provide specific positive praise for waiting. Immediately following positive praise,  allow the individual to participate in the activity or interaction. Some wait cards are time-sensitive, and you may see a few boxes beneath the word “wait.” Place a checkmark in each of these boxes as the individual is waiting. These checkmarks will allow the individual to visualize an end in sight to the wait time.
    • Example: Using this support to show the individual to WAIT while a parent is on the phone or work meeting  or waiting to eat until dinner is ready.