Resources for Managing Behaviors - post

These resources are typically used with children diagnosed with ADHD or Autism but can also help to support children not yet diagnosed, those dealing with anxiety, children with sensory processing disorders, and really any child who is struggling at any time. They are super easy to make and can provide children with a way to focus, calm, and stay on task. If you want to learn more, check out H&H Child Care Training Center's courses Seeing All of Me: Autism & ADHD Overview or What Makes Me Special.

First-Then

A First/Then Card is a visual display showing the order of two activities from left to right. The visual of the activity that is going to happen first is Velcro’d to the spot on the left and the visual of the activity that is going to happen second is Velcro’d to the spot on the right. This visual is shown to the child to help them understand that the second activity will happen once the first one is finished. First/Then cards can be used for a variety of purposes, including helping a child wait for a preferred activity. Many children with autism need to see this information visually to understand when they will get what they want and wait calmly for it.

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First

Then

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Playground

Lunch

Break Card

Break cards are a way for a child to request a break from an activity, task, or person. They can be used with children who need, but may not ask for, a break or those who get easily frustrated, bored, or anxious. These cards allow the child to take breaks that focus or calm them. They may choose to go to a calm-down space for their break or use a calming sensory device.

Children can use the card to ask for a break by:

• touching or pointing to the card.
• handing the card to the teacher.
• placing the card on a marked spot on the desk or a token board.
• holding the card up.

Behavior Cue Cards

Behavior cue cards are used to visually reinforce verbal directions, or as nonverbal reminders. 

They allow for smooth reminders without interrupting class routines. Cue cards can include reminders such as:

• Listening ears
• Eyes looking
• Hands to self/ quiet hands
• Body still (criss-cross)
• Quiet feet
• Raise Hand
• Wait
• Line up
• Good choice
• Clean up