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I cannot stress enough when coaching educators and parents who are working with students on the Autism Spectrum that "the less talking, the better". Students with ASD often do not process verbal information effectively or efficiently, especially if they are already in a state of "overload", and they often struggle to interpret nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, voice tone, gestures, and body language. I have included some commonly used visual tools and other resources to utilize with students on the Autism Spectrum to support this need.
Visual Supports:
PWPBIS_Visuals.pdfthumbs up thumbs down.pdfVisual Cue Cards for practicing expected & unexpected behaviors in primary grades. Thank you to Alison Witmer (K teacher at Conestoga) for sharing this with us. She taught an interactive whole group lesson where she reviewed each behavior/choice and then had the students decide if it was a thumbs up/down choice. She used a large pocket chart and had the students place each one under the appropriate thumb signal.
theMainEmotionsFlashCardsForKindergardenEnglishVocabularies-1.pdfThis is a set of visual emotion cards to help students learn to identify their feelings and the feelings of others. Students with ASD often struggle to accurately identify nonverbal cues indicating how they or others are feeling, such as facial expressions, body language, voice volume & tone, etc. These cards can be used in conjunction with a whole group lesson, morning meeting, or individual instruction.
FirstThenBoardTokenBoardChoiceBoard (2).pdfFirst then board 2.pdfPicture+Cards-material_20441059.pdfPicture+Cards-material_20386537.pdf
KDGBathroomSocial Story (1).pdfstop+go+signs-material_14456469.pdfTalkThoughtBubble.docxThese visuals are ideal for letting a student know when it's an appropriate time to "talk" or when they should hold their thoughts in their thought bubble for later.
Picture+Cards-material_20510472.pdfThis is a great visual to use as a nonverbal reminder that it is not an expected time to talk.
Social Stories: Social Stories are a simple and effective tool for teaching kids how to do certain things, handle problem behaviors, master social skills, and navigate new or unfamiliar social situations.
Whole Body Listening 2.pdfThank you to Amy Murray (TPT) - Teaching Exceptional Kinders, for creating this real-life example for Whole Body Listening
Pausing Social Story.docxMinionsShare.docx*You can find more Social Stories under the Social Stories tab on this site! Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out to me lisa.holloway@pennmanor.net
Sensory Resources:
Many of our students on the Autism Spectrum have unique sensory regulation and motor needs. Check out the links below to search the PM Sensory Lending Library for items to borrow and utilize with your students.
Sensory Library Inventory List with Pictures - use this link to search/find items that you need.
Sensory Lending Library Item Request Form - use this link to submit a request for items you would like to borrow.
Video Resources:
Here are some quick and easy video tips to start using immediately with your students to see BIG improvements in engagement and motivation.
For Teachers:
What It's Like Living on the Autism Spectrum (Full Episode)
To Share with Students:
https://youtu.be/Ezv85LMFx2E?si=jEulrgakDO_-g7fO
Websites:
Below are some useful websites to explore for a variety of instructional tools, support ideas and more.
Do 2 Learn - Topics include: Disabilities, Academics, Social Skills, Behavior Management, Picture Cards, Job Tips
Free Online Classroom Visual Timer
Be Good People - Social/Emotional Learning Lessons & Resources
AFIRM: Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules - Free learning modules for working with/teaching students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Also great for Paraprofessionals!
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