When it's finished....

Students with Autism process information presented visually much more effectively in comparison to information presented verbally, in particular when they are stressed, anxious or upset.* Most of my students find it difficult to cope with highly preferred activities coming to an end in order to transition to the next activity. Despite the number of verbal countdown and functional gestures students can still become frustrated and communicate their protest.

Over the years I have learnt a few tricks to support my students' comprehension and reduce frustration. One of the simples and most effective visuals I have used is a finished sign stuck to the computer screen or piece of rug with finished pattern laid over the equipment. The latest resource I have used with great success is visual 5 to 1 countdown shown as a forewarning that an activity is coming to an end. Students can be actively involved in the process by removing the number from the countdown and velcroing it to the finished strip below. The visual countdown is used when there is 5 minutes left in the activity so that the student can remove each number across the 5-minute period.

Such a simple but effective way.

How do you help your students to cope with highly preferred activities coming to the end?

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*Rao, S., M., & Gagie, B., (2005). Learning through seeing and doing: visual supports for children with Autism. Teaching exceptional children, 38 (6), 26-33

*Meadan, H., Ostrosk, M. M., Trippet, B., Michana, A., & Fettig, A., (2011). Using visual support with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Teaching exceptional children, 43(6), 28-35