Break Cards

In my last post, I discussed the communication difficulties that students with autism face. My next three posts will discuss strategies that you can use to support those with autism in the classroom. 

The first strategy that I want to discuss with you is called a break card. 

A break card is a visual support which may be used by a child with autism to communicate the message that they need some time away from an activity, task, or person. During an activity, children with autism may become frustrated or bored, which could then lead to challenging behaviors. This strategy is often used for children who are non-verbal however even those who are verbal may use them as well. I thought this was a great point that I found in my research. Even students that can typically express themselves, find it difficult during times when they are frustrated, anxious, bored, etc. I have definitely seen this in the regular education classroom. Break cards are great for self-management because the student learns how to ask for a break, which can help them relax, gain control, and mange their behavior better. They are simply an alternate way of communicating the need for a break. Break cards can come in many different formats however they all serve the same purpose. 

Sample Break Card

This is a sample break card I created ! 

http://www.erinoakkids.ca/getattachment/Resources/Autism/Visual-Supports/Requesting-a-Break.pdf.aspx