![]() A visual timer can lay out the expectations for a learner in way that is he or she can understand.Ī visual timer enabled Michael to remain in the synagogue sanctuary for his brother's Bar Mitzvah and be part of this important family event. Tolerating Unpreferred Activities Compliance and tolerating necessary but not preferred activities can be especially challenging for those with cognitive challenges who may not be able to appreciate why they have to engage in an activity or how long that activity will last. During the green light, you should be soaping your body during the orange, shampooing your hair, etc.ģ. Again, visual timers can be the ideal solution for staying on task.Ī device called the TimeTracker is perfect for staying on track during a showering routine for example. ![]() Staying On-Task Many learners – especially those who have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – often forget what they have set out to accomplish or lose track of time and tend to "get lost" in their thoughts. However, he knows that if he does it efficiently and accomplishes everything he needs to do within the allotted time on his visual timer, he can have fifteen minutes of free, uninterrupted time afterwards in the playroom as a reward, which he of course loves and as a result, on most days easily accomplishes.Ģ. Michael doesn't especially love his morning routine of getting dressed, making his bed, brushing his teeth, etc. Now here's an example of going in the other direction from an unpreferred activity to a preferred one. When that ten minutes elapses, he then hears "Michael, time for bed" and he goes on his way upstairs without a fuss. So, ten minutes before bed, Michael hears, "Michael, 10 minutes then bedtime". ![]() The iPad app we use, Picture Prompt Timer, even allows us to give him an extra auditory notice in advance of the final alarm going off. Of course, sleep is a necessity of life so rather than us walking in and abruptly pulling him away from his computer without warning, before his therapist leaves, she sets a visual timer so Michael knows exactly how much time he has left before bed. I'm quite certain that if permitted, he would stay in front of that screen all night, opting for YouTube over bedtime. Michael loves the free time he gets on the computer every evening after his therapist leaves. We use visual timers to help with both of these types of situations. Both transitioning from a preferred activity to an unpreferred one, and from an unpreferred to preferred activity can be very challenging for my son, Michael, who has Autism. Transitioning Visual timers are ideal in assisting with transitions which can be especially difficult for those on the Autism Spectrum. In this post I cover five situations where a visual timer will be very very helpful.ġ. Visual timers can play a vital role in the lives of many individuals who have special needs, making participation in important events and necessary activities more tolerable and manageable for all involved. Resources The Benefits Of Using A Visual Timer For Children With Special Needs ![]()
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