Break Cards

As I discussed in my previous post, children with autism often have difficulty communicating their wants and needs.  You may have heard of PECS -- Picture Exchange Communication System.  These are small pictures with a word or phrase on it that a student can point to or use to express their wants, needs, feelings, ideas, etc.  A more specific use of PECS is in cards; today I'm going to specifically speak about Break Cards.

It is important for all children to have a way to express their need for a break.  A break card allows a student with autism (or any student with expressive language difficulties) to be released from an activity.  The example below also provides options for what the student can do during their break so they are able to return to their work shortly.

If a student does not have an easy and appropriate way to request a break, there may be inappropriate behavior serving as their means of communication.  To avoid this inappropriate behavior, provide the student with the option of a break card.  PECS and Cards are a low tech version of AT.  It is so simple, yet so powerful and helpful!

Reference: http://www.asdeducation.com/behavior/

http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst13.htm