Autism

What are some accommodations that have been helpful to students on the autism spectrum?

Sensory Processing

• Using a "sensory diet" throughout day

• Providing seat cushion for attention and postural control

• Providing slant board for desk work

• Allow student to stand (if necessary) to complete work

• Providing hand-over-hand support for fine motor activities

• Allow motor breaks throughout the day

• Using multi-sensory cues

Behavior Management

• Using visual cues (PECS, words, charts, cards) to review rules

• Using daily visual reinforcement program for self-monitoring

• Providing immediate feedback using verbal or gestural cues

• Using token board or behavioral contract

• Using a coping card with behavioral coping options

• Using prompt hierarchy (emphasizing visual and gestural prompts rather than verbal

Comprehension

• Using visual aids (PECS, words, cards, charts) to augment comprehension

• Modifying lessons to emphasize essential concepts for master

Reading and Handwriting (See below for Snap&Read and Co:Writer Tutorials)

• Human reader

• Recorded books

• Providing keyboard to take notes

• Scribe

• Providing Speech to Text software for writing

• Providing Word Processors or Alpha-Smart for writing

Attention, Organization, Work-Study Skills

• Have student repeat back directions

• Provide task analysis for multi-step tasks

• Break large chunks of work into smaller parts

• Using graphic/visual organizers (e.g., organizational, attentional issues)

• Providing notes for lessons in (subject)

• Providing outlines for lessons in (subject)

• Using visual cues (PECS, words, charts, cards) to review schedule, expectations

• Ensuring that student writes homework assignments legibly

• Ensuring student has homework assignments and materials before departure

• Providing study carrel or dividers for independent work

• Providing preferential seating

• Providing seating away from distractions

• Providing seating without visual distraction in visual field (windows, etc.)

• Structuring for minimal auditory distraction

• Providing task analysis; breaking down goals into small steps

• Using manipulative materials to increase participation in learning experience

• Providing peer tutoring/paired work assignment

Social Maturity and Reasoning

• Using social stories

• Providing role modeling (e.g., social skills)

• Providing peer modeling from socially competent peers

• Providing adult modeling

• Providing social skills training during recess and free time periods

Emotional and Self-Regulation

• Designating a "safe" or "quiet" place in classroom

• Using a "break" card for breaks

• Using visual markers, tape, etc. to designate boundaries

• Modifying length and content of assignments

• Decreasing work load for school work or homework

Resource: https://xminds.org/accommodations

Click for Snap&Read Tutorial

Snap&Read Features

• Dynamic text leveling, students can adjust the readability of text without changing the meaning

• Translation: students can translate text into 100+ languages

• Read Text-to-Speech : listen to text as it’s read

• Study tools: gather information from multiple sources including images, organize, take notes, and pull it all together in an outline

• Annotate: students can write on top of websites, google docs, etc.

See more here: https://learningtools.donjohnston.com/product/snap-read/

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Click for Co-Writer Tutorial

Co:Writer Features

• Speech-to-text – student clicks on the microphone and it will type for them

• Help struggling writers with grammar, spelling, and word choice via prediction

For more go to: https://learningtools.donjohnston.com/product/cowriter/