Communication Assistive Tech for Autistic students (or many kinds of students!)

Students with autism spectrum disorders are unique, but generally, many of them suffer with communication. After researching and incorporating my experiences, I have put together some information about three communication systems that help enhance students’ ability to communicate and self advocate.

                                                                          Break Cards

Break cards are used for students that need to communicate they need some time to disengage from an activity. The use of break cards is usually communicated in the IEP or behavior plan for students with autism spectrum disorders. The overarching goal of break cards is to motivate students to be able to self-advocate for themselves in academic or social situations that may be over stimulating.

I worked with a student who used break cards. After reading his behavior intervention plan it was outlined that the break cards, if used, must be immediately recognized, praised and a break accommodated for the student. I found these cards were extremely useful and motivated the student to self-determine their need for a break verbally by the end of the year.

 Choice Cards

Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) utilize the assistive technology known as choice cards. Choice cards are used to communicate decision to others.  For example a student may be given a multiple (maybe one or two choice question) choice question such as, “Do you need to use the bathroom?” Students use the choice card to communicate their response nonverbally. Choice cards can be used for a multitude of students with disabilities, not just those with ASD. I have used choice cards as a behavior management and modification assistive technology in some of the classrooms I have worked in.

Past Event Cards

Past event cards are an assistive technology resource that is useful students with a multitude of disabilities and levels. These tools are cards, either made of paper, or other available/appropriate resources that have a picture or label of something that occurred in a students’ school day. They have a great amount of utility.