1. Independent Work Stations TEACCH
Work systems promote understanding and independence.
The systems are created to answer 4 key questions for students
What do I do?
How much do I do?
How will I know I am finished?
What do I do when I am finished?
TEACCH’s work systems create a systematic way for students with ASD to receive and understand information. When the person with ASD enters the workspace, 4 key questions need to be answered for them through the structure of the space. These questions include: What do I do? How much do I do? How will I know when I am finished? What do I do when I am finished?

2. Independent Work System - Elementary1
Note the sequenced numbers on the desk to match the Velcro #s on the bins. This designates which task to do. The student removes from the desk & matches to the corresponding #. 2 3
Note left to right progression. Student takes task from bin, completes on desk, then places in large bin on floor
Independent Work System - Elementary

3. Elementary School Work Stations
A 3 tiered bin is utilized for work – the student loves to add #s. The designated #s are on the top of the bin and are sums to the problems on the tiers. The student matches the sum to the problem and takes that task. When completed student places back into the tiered section
Work tasks are located above the work space in bins. Once completed they are returned to the ‘shelf’ Note the sequence of #s above the student to match the bins. At the end of the sequence is a designation of a favorite activity
Elementary School Work Stations
Note the student’s schedule on his desk

4. Matching Work System Followed by Choice of Fun Activities

5. Elementary Work Station Examples
Teacher utilized cardboard and cloth to create dividers for stations. Tasks are located in 3 tiered carts next to desks
Tasks located on a shelf with colors to designate jobs to do

6. Elementary & Preschool School Work Station Examples
Note use of shelves to the left. Student secures from the left and can replace on shelf or place to the right shelf
Pittsburgh Public Schools & Watson Institute

7. Independent Work Station Arrangement - Elementary
Trinity Area School District

8. ‘Home-made’ Independent Work Station Dividers
Keystone Oaks School District

9. Work Systems for teens & young adults– Signs on shelves say
“to be completed” and “finished”
Pittsburgh Public Schools

10. Independent Work Centers – Middle School Classroom
Pittsburgh Public Schools

11. Written Work System: Making Lunch Materials for making lunch would be placed into color coded bins.

12. Work System at Home for Laundry Tasks

13. Tasks Tasks located in Independent Work Should:
Be tasks the student is able to complete independently
Should include manipulative not just paper/pencil
Can include academic and functional including pre-vocational & life skills
Websites that offer examples of tasks and systems include: