How can we make Modifications?

To help children and young people learn it is important to adapt the environment.

Tip to remember:

Children and young people with autism have a different way of processing information and interacting with the world around him. Below are some suggestions on how to modify the environment to help the child or young person to gain confidence and empower them to be able to attend and learn, grow and develop.

Characteristic of Child or young person with autism	Suggested Modification
Visual learner	Match verbal instructions with visuals (e.g., object, picture) Use visual supports and visual schedules
Difficulty with attention	Reduce distractions, e.g. Work Station resource A, Work Station resource B Work at the child’s cognitive ability
Difficulty with language comprehension	Use short specific instructions – use key words Supplement or compliment verbal instructions with visual supports (consider routine/context, gestures, pictures, written words) Repeat pairings of words with picture/routine/object
Difficulty with imitation and use of gestures	Demonstrate by exaggerating Provide supports, prompts Teach these skills explicitly
Benefits from structured, predictable routine	Assess and review the environment (e.g. does the child or young person sit close to a printer or computer and have difficulties with noise? Do they sit in direct line of a window?) Modify the environment Sensory Audit Provide routine. Change in routine card Change within schedule Set up visuals, reward system etc Use e.g. First and Then Set up e.g. drawers and label them appropriately so child can independently know where to get something they need.
Difficulty with transitions	Prepare the child in advance Cue with visual as well as auditory information (e.g., use visual schedules) Visual schedule Visual schedule Daily schedule Weekly planner School schedule Homework schedule Remember to make provision for changes in plans by preparing the child about what happens if something changes
Difficulty identifying important details	Highlight key details Make information stand out Break tasks into smaller steps/tasks
Behavioural differences – tantrums, acting-out	Complete a functional assessment Identify behaviour Generate possible functions Teach replacement skills – an alternative behaviour or a new way to communicate. Anger Management Anger Management Feelings chart