Visual Strategies - Special Education Service Agency

Presenting information visually can be helpful to anybody. Think about the instructions that come with furniture. If the pictures are clear, what needs to happen is obvious. If the pictures are overcomplicated or too vague, it is almost impossible to follow them. Keep that in mind as you go about your search into the use of visuals and social skills instruction and you can get the maximum benefit for individuals learning social skills.

Social behavior mapping. Winner, Michelle Garcia.

Call Number: 371.94 Winner
ISBN: 0979528615
Pub. Info: [Kentwood, MI] : The Gray Center, 2007

Notes: "Cognitive behavioral techniques are those which help a student to learn the thinking behind expected behaviors. Social Stories (developed by Carol Gray) are one type of cognitive behavioral technique for teaching students how to cope in a specific context or with specific people. Social Behavior Mapping is another complimentary method, which helps students to understand how our behaviors (expected and unexpected) impact how people feel, which then impacts how they treat us, which impacts how we feel about ourselves. Social Behavior Maps demonstrate to students how we all impact each other emotionally and behaviorally. This technique is not a panacea, but instead helps to demystify the complexity of social thought and related behaviors. It is being embraced in classrooms all over the United States. On this DVD, the evolution of social behavior mapping is explained along with step-by-step instructions on how to use this valuable treatment strategy. This DVD corresponds with a book called Social Behavior Mapping, also by Michelle Garcia Winner."--Container.

Power cards : using special interests to motivate children and youth with Asperger Syndrome and autism Gagnon, Elisa.

Call Number: 371.94 Gagnon
ISBN: 1931282013
Pub. Info: Shawnee Mission, Kan. : Autism Asperger Publishing, 2001.

Notes: Step-by-step book shows parents and educators how to help change an unwanted or inappropriate behavior by capitalizing on the special interests that characterize children and youths with AS. A brief, motivational text related to a special interest or a highly admired person is combined with an illustration and made into a bookmark or business card sized power card that the youth can refer to whenever necessary. For younger children, the special interest or hero is worked into a brief story.

How to use video modeling and video prompting Sigafoos, Jeff.

Call Number: 371.94 Sigafo
ISBN: 9781416401520
Pub. Info: Austin, Tex. : PRO-ED, 2006.

Notes: "...presents two research-based techniques successfully proven in improving behavior problems (i.e., aggression, self-injury, tantrums, etc.) and teaching a range of useful skills such as: self-care, daily living, academic, play, communication/language, vocational skills, social skills. This manual delivers a step-by-step guide in making effective instructional videos and delivering video-based instructions for individuals with ASD, useful for the home, school, and any community setting. Further techniques are also included to combat possible risks of dependency once the learner has acquired the desired skills. Parents, school personnel, caregivers, and therapists will find these techniques to be indispensable. Consistent instructions, easy maintenance, and visual appeal make this a highly effective method."--PRO-ED website.

The autism social skills picture book : teaching communication, play and emotion Baker, Jed.

Call Number: 618.9285882 Baker
ISBN: 1885477910
Pub. Info: Arlington, TX : Future Horizons, c2001.

Notes: " ... demonstrates through pictures nearly 30 social skills, such as conversation, play, emotion management and empathy. “Children of all ages learn more effectively when pictures are used to supplement verbal descriptions and instructions,” Baker contends. “It’s particularly effective, or most helpful, when people build their own picture books, because they can see themselves in the book. ... We’ve discovered that what is helpful for kids with autism is also helpful for most kids,” explains Baker. “That’s because breaking down skills into basic components is a good way for all to learn social skills.” For example, there’s a picture in the book of two children at a lunchroom table, where one of them is eating. The book tells the child that, to be sociable, he first could ask a question about what the other student is doing. “What are you eating?” asks one. “A bagel,” answers the other. Then, the book tells the child it is beneficial (socially) to ask follow-up questions about the activity, like “How does it taste?” “Almost anyone can benefit from these basics,” explains Baker. “If a child is not initiating play, talking to or looking at his peers, he may need parental and/or professional intervention, the earlier the better.” Most children need and usually want social skills to make friends, and, often, their level of happiness and productivity is dependent on these fundamentals."--author's website.