The Autism Project’s “How-To” Toolkit
Use the materials in our “How-To” toolkit to help you navigate various situations, such as transitions, asking for help, requesting a break, and participating in collaborative games. The “How to Teach” tip sheets detail how to use countdown timers, “FIRST/NEXT” boards, turn-taking, and “Help,” “Wait,” and “Break” cards.
Below you’ll find a collection of tip sheets designed to provide clear instructions you can refer to when introducing new support strategies. These “How to Teach” tip sheets will guide you in using these important strategies with confidence.
“How to Teach” Tip Sheet
Teaching a child to ask others for help is an essential life skill. Children who don’t know how to ask for help may simply wait for someone to approach them or “misbehave” to show that they need help. In either case, an adult can teach them a practical approach to asking for help. When a child is struggling and becoming increasingly frustrated, their ability to communicate diminishes. A visual “HELP” card will prompt them to seek assistance and provide them with a way to communicate.
Teaching a child to wait is a very valuable skill. Children must wait their turn during games, in conversations, at the grocery store, and in many other everyday situations. Waiting is a life skill.
Knowing when and how to get angry is a skill that many children struggle to learn. That’s why it’s helpful for children to be directly taught how to manage their emotions. At first, an adult should identify the emotion, describe the physical response, and teach when a “BREAK” is needed. It will take time for the child to learn this and turn it into a new routine.
How to Teach the “TURN TALKING” Card
Taking turns is a life skill necessary for social success in all settings. For many children, taking turns is not a skill that develops naturally. Many children need to be taught how to take turns and given plenty of opportunities to practice. Teaching turn-taking involves many skills, such as: 1) a social understanding of why we share; 2) self-regulation skills; 3) what to do while waiting; and 4) knowing when it’s my turn. By preparing the child to learn turn-taking, you are preparing them to play successfully with their peers.
How to Teach Children to Use the “Countdown Timer Card”
Children may have a hard time understanding the passage of time. Phrases like “in a few minutes,” “soon,” and “almost there” can cause them anxiety and make transitions difficult. The “Countdown Timer” is a visual tool that helps children perceive the passage of time and prepares them for transitions.
How to Teach the “FIRST/THEN” Card
Understanding the concepts of time, sequence, and multiple steps is an important life skill. These skills form the foundation for organizing an activity, your day, or a long-term plan. Using a “FIRST/NEXT” board is the FIRST step in teaching the important skill of following a schedule.
How to Teach the Countdown Clock
Children may have difficulty understanding the passage of time. Phrases like “in a few minutes,” “soon,” and “almost done” can cause anxiety and make transitions difficult.
How to Teach the Time-Out Card
Knowing when and how to get upset is a skill that many children struggle to learn. That’s why it’s helpful for children to receive direct instruction on how to manage their emotions. At first, an adult should identify the emotion, describe the physical response, and teach when a TIME-OUT is needed. This learning process will take time until the child internalizes it and it becomes a new routine.