Handwashing Task Analysis and Data Sheet

A breakdown of the steps a student could use when learning to wash his or her hands. Teach students in a step-by-step process with a list of steps is known as using a task analysis.

Along with the list is a handy data sheet you can use to track which steps the student completes independently.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/HandwashingTaskAnalysis.pdf

Social Communication Skills Checklist

Good communication skills require a higher level of self-awareness to gain an understanding of personal styles of communication. This Tool of the Week helps teachers identify areas of strength and needs in communication skills that are important components for successful teaming.

http://www.tooloftheweek.org/2014/04/communication-checklist.html

This Tool of the Week comes from Collaborate Smart: Practical Strategies and Tools for Educators.

Advocacy Tool Kit

The Advocacy Tool Kit aims to help both individuals on the spectrum and their families develop and use critical advocacy skills in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The Advocacy Tool Kit is divided into the following sections:

• The ABC's of Basic Advocacy and Negotiation Skills
• Learning the Skills
• School Advocacy
• Autism Advocacy in the Community: A Parent Perspective
• Community Advocacy
• Learning the Language of Self-Advocacy
• Resources

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/advocacy

Strategies for Teaching Children to Make Good Choices

This article from Sandbox Learning, Strategies for Teaching Children to Make Good Choices, includes eight ways to teach children to make good choices by recognizing their choices and thinking through decisions.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Teaching_Children_to_Make_Good_Choices.pdf

Understanding Sarcasm and Irony Lesson Plan

A lesson plan for helping students understand and recognize the use of sarcasm and irony, tools for helping them develop social skills.

The lesson comes from the book Social Skills for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities.

Here's the link to the lesson: http://www.tooloftheweek.org/2014/03/understanding-sarcasm-and-irony.html

Organizing Specials/Inclusion Tips and Freebie

Tips on making inclusion in specials classes run smoothly for your students with autism. Great tips and a freebie from "The Autism Helper!"

http://theautismhelper.com/organizing-specials-inclusion/

Rainy Weather Vocab Flashcards and Story

Rain Vocabulary Flashcards

Train in the Rain (Vocabulary Story) 

Using Visuals to Help Kids Be More Organized and Independent

A tip sheet from Sandbox Learning. http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Using_Visuals.pdf

For more information about this topic, please consult the following resource:

Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

 

 

ABA Token Economy Boards

Lots of free token boards here with popular characters such as:

• Bob the Builder
• Curious George
• Spiderman
• The Hulk
• Winnie the Pooh
• And more

http://www.abaresources.com/free2.html

Strategies for Encouraging Communication Tip Sheet

There are countless opportunities to work on communication during the day. This article discusses a few simple strategies parents, teachers, and other care providers can use to help encourage language development.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/EncouragingCommunication.pdf

Parts of a Plant Interactive Notebook

From "Promoting Success" store at TeachersPayTeachers:

"Your students will love this hands-on plants interactive notebook activity. The students will color and cut out a "lift the flaps" books and attach it to their interactive notebooks. Two sets of plant part descriptions are provided. One set is for novice learners, and the other set is more descriptive. Students can cut and paste the descriptions under the correct plant part, or they can write their own description."

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Plants-1149773

More free spring-themed activities here! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_spring.html

"Going to Church on Easter" Social Skill Article (for older/more verbal students)

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/EasterSocialSkillArticle.pdf

More Easter social stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_easter.html

"Going to Church on Easter" Social Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_ChurchEaster.pdf

More Easter social stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_easter.html

 

 

"Travis the Train Goes on an Easter Egg Hunt" Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_EasterEggHuntTrain.pdf

 

More Easter social stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_easter.html

 

 

"Going on an Easter Egg Hunt" Social Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_EasterEggHunt.pdf

More Easter social stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_easter.html

"Decorating Easter Eggs" Social Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_DecorateEggs.pdf

More Easter social stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_easter.html

Easter Vocabulary Flash Cards

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/EasterVocabulary.pdf

 

More Easter social stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_easter.html

 

IEP Goal Bank

From "Speaking of Speech." Includes information on how to write IEP goals. http://www.speakingofspeech.com/IEP_Goal_Bank.html

Additional Resource:

800+ Measurable IEP Goals and Objectives: For use in K - 12 and in Home School Settings

Move Your Body: Classroom Exercise Chart

From Autism Classroom News:

This is an exercise chart designed to get kids moving in the classroom. Exercise has been shown to be an evidence-based practice in reducing challenging behavior in individuals with autism and other disabilities. It also has important health benefits. You could use this chart for a daily exercise routine, part of indoor recess, or do 1 exercise each 30 minutes as a break within the day. Have students choose how many of each exercise the class should complete each day.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Move-Your-Body-Classroom-Exercise-Chart-autism-special-ed-1138161

Picture Symbols for Games

Games include:

• Boggle Jr.
• Hi Ho Cherry-O
• Memory
• Guess Who?
• Twister
• Operation
• Connect Four
• Mr. Potato Head
• And More

http://www.abaresources.com/pdf/games.pdf

Buy any of these games from Amazon.com, and Amazon will make a donation to Positively Autism!

 

Quick Guide to Visual Supports

Autism Speaks has recently published a short guide to teach parents the basics on using visual supports with children with autism.

http://www.autism-center.ucsd.edu/autism-information/Documents/AutismSpeaks_visual_supports.pdf

More Resources:

Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Visual Support for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders