Think Before You Speak

Helpful Hints for Working with Individuals with Autism 1. Use Visuals Using checklists, calendars, schedules, and other visual cues help students with Autism organize and process information quickly and effectively. 2. Be Concrete Do not use sarcasm or other abstract language. Many people with ASD interpret things very literally and have difficulty with misperceptions.

Helpful Hints for Working with Individuals with Autism 3. Avoid Repeating Things Over and Over Many people with Autism have a hard time interpreting verbal/auditory information. Give them time to process what you have said Supplement verbal information with visuals when possible. 4. Increase Predictability Changes in routine are very difficult for individuals with ASD. Using visual schedules and written reminders help the student know what is going on. Make sure to address changes in the schedule ahead of time when possible.

5 Point Scale

What is The 5-Point Scale? The 5 point scale is a program to teach social understanding through self-monitoring. It is used to help students control anxiety or other behaviors. The scale is a visual resource that converts abstract ideas into simple numbers. The scale breaks down a variety of behaviors into concrete parts to help students better understand what you are asking of them.

Implementing the 5-Point Scale Define each number on the scale. 1 = Everything is Fine 5 = Out of Control Create coping strategies for each number. These need to be individualized to the student. Teach your student how to use the scale. This is done through the use of Stories and Practice. Display/Post the scale. Remember, visuals are important. Make sure it is easily accessible.

Defining the Scale I am out of control I am angry I am nervous I am uncomfortable I am in control

Coping Strategies Coping Strategies should be individualized according to student needs. Students develop their own calming techniques: rock in rocking chair or at their desk cover with weighted blanket lay on bean bag chair or pillow go to quiet room or space walk in gym or hall fidgets

The Teaching Process We must teach students how to use the 5 Point Scale. We often do this through Social Stories. Social Stories visually: remind student of appropriate ways to self monitor. remind students of calming techniques. remind students of expectations. Note: Social stories need to be read daily.

Why Display the Scale? To have a constant visual reminder for students. Students know that any adult in the building can help them manage their behavior. Students can always self-monitor. Consistency for staff in use of the 5-Point Scale.

Ways to Display the Scale Place on individual student desks for self monitoring throughout the day. Hang a chart on the wall for the whole class to use. Post scales in the hallways. Provide scales for lockers and/or assignment books. Provide pocket-sized scale for students to carry with them. Provide pocket-sized scale for all adults.

Crisis Boards

What is a Crisis Board? Crisis Boards are used when students are at a 4 or 5 on the scale. They provide a way to work toward de-escalation in a non-verbal way. Used to visually communicate with a student to find out what is wrong and how you can help. The goal is to get the student back to a “level 1 or 2”.

How Do I Use It? 1. Show the acting out student the crisis board picture side up. NO WORDS FROM ADULTS. The adult is the keeper of the crisis board. Never give it to the student. 2. Point to the different feelings. Use nonverbal cues to ask the student how they are feeling and where they are on the scale. Student should point to identify his/her feelings. 3. Set timer for 2 minutes. When the timer beeps adult writes on board, “What is wrong?”

How Do I Use It? 4. Let student write or draw what is bothering him/her on the board. Adult hold the board. If student refuses and is not ready to write/draw, go back to step #3 and try again. 5. As the student calms down, he/she may become more verbal, that is ok. 6. Show the scale again to be sure the student is at a level 1 or 2. 7. Tell student what they will do when they return to class and then have the student repeat it back to you.

Other non-verbal ways to communicate with students Sticky Notes Visual Schedules Symbols Real Pictures Written Words

There’s an APP for That! Sticky Notes App on iPad (free version) Make it Big (free) Type/ (search “type communicate” in App Store- free) Autism 5 point Scale EP (free) Social Scale ($2.99) Type

Website! Click Here Located on EACS Website- Departments>Special Services>Autism>Tip of the Month Powerpoint Links to resources