Structure
is important for neurotypical individuals and has a even greater
importance to young persons with ASD, because it helps them to ease the
stress related with changes by allowing them to predict events or to
organize their day and mind (repetitive, restrictive behaviours).
To use structure we should use
clear aids, which can be visual, body-kinaesthetic, tactile or
auditory. Some examples of aids used are: timetables, schedules,
diaries, memory post-its, etc.
In the next paragraphs, we will
enumerate a list of good practices for educators:
The imagery used needs to be
adequate to the student. For example: if the student is comfortable
with symbols we shouldn't use photographs. If the educator is unsure
about the imagery to use he should try different approaches until he
achieves the objective, through trial and error.
We should make a correct use of
timetables. They should be put in a vertical manner and thorough the
development of time the activities/steps done should be put away in a
finish box or erased from board. If showing in detail a structured
activity, in the timetable, its components should be put
horizontally. Also, if the understanding of the students requires it,
we could use “now and then” boards instead.
One strategy we could use if the
educators need to change the timetable for any reason is introducing
a change card. To use a change cards we can follow the following
steps: 1) introduce the concept of change with the change card; 2)
wait 20 min; 3) use a personal interest, of the pupil, to introduce
change: “Today the change is playing a videogame”; 4) next time,
can be on another day, wait 40 min; 5) use another personal interest,
something not so fun but pleasant, to introduce change: “Today the
change is reading”; 6) the pupil should accept the change, but if
he complains ignore it and provide the change as soon as possible; 7)
repeat the strategy different times with different events/activities
to prepare the pupil to real changes, until the student accepts the
change card.
To respect the structure there
are practices that the educators should avoid. We should not violate
the structure, if we are unsure of the planning for the day we should
keep the timetable vague. Also, we should avoid a disorganised
environment or having no pre-planning.
I hope you find these tips handy.