Classroom+Schedules


 * Classroom schedule using pictures **

Many students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) find it difficult in mainstream school because of the lack of consistency in the classroom environment (Batshaw, 1997). The disruption to daily routines can cause a high level of anxiety in students with ASD and lead to them feeling overwhelmed. Like the strategies used in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) therapy, the Pictorial schedule will assist students with ASD adjust to life in a mainstream classroom by providing consistency and routine (FaHCSIA Autism Panel, 2009).

Incorporating a daily schedule into your classroom routine can be an easy as establishing an extra step to the morning routine. Before the day starts put up coloured cards with the names of activities to be done through the day and match images depicting that activity. Once the students arrive, take a few minutes to talk through the day’s schedule.



The combination of pictures and words will ensure every student can identify with the schedule. To assist the student with ASD is able to identify the activities and ‘read’ the schedule the accompanying picture could be photographs of the class participating in the activity. While this strategy is intended to meet the needs of students with ASD it will also benefit the entire class and can assist in behaviour management (when used in conjunction with strategies such as preferred activity time) (Churchill, et al., 2011). To further support the student with ASD a personal schedule can be created for use with a Learning Support Assistant with mages of that student participating in the activities.

This strategy is best suited for students in the early years of primary school. It can also be used in preparation for a student with ASD entering mainstream school.

=Reference list= Batshaw, M. L. (1997). //Children with disabilities.// Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America: Paul H Brookes Publishing Co.

Churchill, R., Ferguson, P., Godinho, S., Johnson, N. F., Keddie, A., Letts, W., et al. (2011). //Teaching: Making a difference.// Milton, QLD, Australia: John Wiley & Sons Australia.

FaHCSIA Autism Panel. (2009). //ABA Therapy for Austism//. Retrieved from Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic: http://www.autism.net.au/Autism_ABA.htm