For an individual that grows in the order and routine, our world is a scary place! Humans interact to break the speed record, all we do is high-speed, instantaneous and ever changing. Even our homes and classrooms tend to be quickly moving people from one activity to another, changing schedules and living in the moment. It is a sign of our times and right or wrong, is what it is. Since there – that autistic people need our BlackBerrys, our calendars and our calendars to stay organized. Many of us could benefit from having a personal secretary! Individuals with autism need a way to cope with the demands of a fast-paced society.
Lists, lists, checklists and program of visual forms of organizing the world. Visual aids are the cornerstone of the independence of an individual with autism. They tell a person what they should do, when and what comes next. Vision to provide an environment cluttered, without the need for continuous addresses. It is not wise to disappear visual schedules because these are the tools that a person will use for the rest of his life in order to become more independent. Students can be taught how to make and use daily images in order to bring order to your day and reduce anxiety.
Vision can range from written words to pictures, photos, articles and product samples to a combination of media. The following are a sample of some helpful visual aids:
A program that lists daily events / things to do / activities / schedule changes
A key chain with visual reminders of social norms (personal space, staring, waiting in line, etc. ..)
Checklists of tasks to complete and a place to indicate when completed tasks
Charts outlining the sequence of steps to complete a task (washing dishes, laundry, bathroom appliances, etc. ..)
Checklists of necessary materials (packaging of a toilet bag, packing lunch, packing or preparation of materials for a class)
A pocket-size booklet of relaxation
Labels indicating the location and sequence (drawers for clothes, hygiene materials, cabinets, etc. ..)
Graphic organizers or models that describe what information is needed and where it should be registered
Semantic maps (these sites "thoughts" to help students get information and see relationships
between parties that otherwise seem unrelated to the learning style of students with autism)
Cue cards (reminders about how to solve a problem, remember one rule, make a transition, etc. ..)
Calendars
Energy cards that describe how your favorite character to handle a situation (card shows effective ways for people with autism to act or respond)
Social Stories (TM) as a strategy developed by Carol (A involves a specific written story with images that describes a social situation. These stories make the unknown known for students with autism)
We do not consider waiting for a wheelchair person "disappeared" the use of his wheelchair, which offers an opportunity for freedom and greater independence. Supports Visual offer the same benefits to individuals with autism. It is fair to give an individual all the tools they need to live a life that is satisfying and enjoyable!
Jennifer Krumins is a full-time teacher in Ontario, Canada with 19 years experience in special education and regular classroom. A mother of three children (one of which has autism), is currently teaching a major headache for adolescents with autism. She is the author of two books:
Been there. Made. Finally, do well. Guide to Educational Planning for Students with Autism: Lessons from a Mother and Teacher.
and
One step at a time: ABA and autism in the classroom, practical strategies for implementing Applied Behavior Analysis for students with autism
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