Autism Center Grab and Go Resource Gallery of Interventions

What to Do Cards

Utilize 'what to do' word cards. These cards can help all learners but can especially help individuals with autism to understand verbal language in a clear and concise manner. Individuals with autism have varying levels of receptive (understanding) language. Depending on their understanding, they may need concrete words to understand the meaning of words. Pairing a 'what to do' word card with the actual word(s) clearly states what is expected of the individual. Providing this visual support will help learners to follow through with directions/instructions, help with social interactions, and support positive social behaviors.

To use these cards, simply show the card to the individual. Say the 'what to do' words while pointing to the card. For example, show the 'line up' card and say, "It's time to line up' while pointing to the card. Allow processing time (at least 10 seconds) for the individual to follow through with the task before repeating the direction/request. Over time, some individuals may not need a verbal prompt and may respond by just seeing or pointing to the card.

These 'what to do' word cards should be portable and available at any time. They may be represented by pictures, symbols, real photos, or objects. Include the printed word/s on all cards so that all adults using the 'what to do' cards are using the same language consistently. They may vary in size, such as 3'x3' or larger. Adapt the size of the card to meet the learner's needs. For quick access by all adults, these cards can be attached to an adult's lanyard, key ring, belt loop, or placed in a pocket. Please refer to the tutorial video (below) for instructions on making and using the cards.

Examples

What to Do Cards

Download all as a ZIP

Videos

Tuesday Tip: Visuals on a Lanyard

Tutorial video on making and using cards

Book Suggestions

Visual Support for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Bernard Opitz, Vera and Häussler, Anne

Combining their years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum, both here and around the world, authors Vera Bernard-Opitz and Anne Häussler bring teachers and other professionals practical ideas and teaching methods for offering visual supports to students with autism spectrum disorders and other visual learners. With hundreds of colorful illustrations and step-by-step directions, this book lays the foundation for how to structure teaching environments, as well as offers countless examples of activities for students, ranging from basic skills, to reading and math, to social behavior.

Visual Strategies for Improving Communication (Revised & Updated Edition): Practical Supports for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Hodgdon, Linda

Practical supports for school and home Visual Strategies for Improving Communication: Practical Supports for School and Home contains numerous strategies to enhance communication interactions for students who experience autism and other moderate to severe communication disorders. A "how-to" book, designed to assist teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and parents in devising solutions to the communication and self-management challenges that are common to these students. Full of examples and illustrations, this book describes specific strategies that capitalize on the visual strengths and learning style of this population. The first goal when working with these students is to create an environment that will support communication and make communication breakdowns less likely to occur. This is accomplished in part by developing a system of visual tools and aids to increase communication effectiveness. Schedules, aids to give directions, and aids to give information, and aids to establish and communicate rules are tools designed to increase the student's understanding of what is happening around him. A second goal, improving student independence and participation, is met with the presence of visual tools.

A Guide to Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Perner, Darlene E. and Delano, Monica E.

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should be explicitly taught a full range of social, self-help, language, reading, writing and math skills to further their success in and outside of school. The strategies and teaching techniques discussed in this book are those that have shown great promise in helping students with ASD to succeed. Each chapter provides teachers with practical information about how to approach the tasks of determining what to teach and how to teach, with clearly defined steps for implementation.

The Autism Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers

Kluth, Paula

This useful, accessible guide offers teachers and parents a better understanding of children on the autism spectrum and provides them with the kinds of support and intervention they need. Written in an easy-to-read checklist format, the book is filled with up-to-date research, practical advice, and helpful resources on a wide range of topics. The book covers five areas: basic information on autism, checklists for parents, checklists for teachers, effective support strategies, and helpful resources: - Provides vital, accessible information for parents and teachers working with children in the autism spectrum - Contains a wealth of useful strategies, information, and resources - A volume in the popular Jossey-Bass Checklist series - Offers a comprehensive yet affordable resource - Kluth is the best-selling author of You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students with Autism.

Additional Resources:

Simply Special Ed

The Autism Helper: Visual Necklace