Here's a free download of a research article on using activity schedules (visual schedules) to improve behaviors during transition of students with autism. Here's a summary of the article followed by a link to read the entire research review.
Summary: "Thirteen studies were reviewed that were conducted using activity schedules with persons with autism to improve social interaction skills and decrease problem behaviors. Results across studies indicate that activity schedules enhanced social interactions and on-task and transition behaviors. Also, investigators in some studies used activity schedules to decrease students’ tantrums and other problem behaviors during transitions. Furthermore, researchers in several studies that reported generalization indicated that behaviors learned through activity schedules generalized across settings and persons. Implications for practitioners and for future researchers are discussed."
Click here to read the article.
Friday, 3 January 2014
Thursday, 2 January 2014
January Newsletter Topic: Smooth and Easy Transitions
Children with autism frequently thrive on routine and predictability. They also often take a keen interest in a particular activity (such as lining up toys, spinning, trains, and so on). It can be very difficult for a child when it is time to transition away from one of these favorite activities to a different activity, such as when it is time to turn off a child's favorite iPad game to come to the dinner table. The child may become upset or engage in problem behavior. This is particularly true when the transition is abrupt or unexpected.
Changing activities is a part of life for children, their families, and their teachers at school (changing centers, going to lunch, changing classes, etc.) and home (bedtime, leaving home to run an errand, having dinner, etc.). Since this common activity may be difficult for children with autism, this month Positively Autism will be sharing tips and resources for making transitions between activities easer and smoother for your children and your students.
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Changing activities is a part of life for children, their families, and their teachers at school (changing centers, going to lunch, changing classes, etc.) and home (bedtime, leaving home to run an errand, having dinner, etc.). Since this common activity may be difficult for children with autism, this month Positively Autism will be sharing tips and resources for making transitions between activities easer and smoother for your children and your students.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and make sure you're subscribed to our free newsletter to get all the resources!