Evidence-Based Practices

Choice boards are a form of visual support, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Visual supports are defined as a “visual display that supports the learner in engaging in a desired behavior or skills independent of additional prompts." (Steinbrenner et al, 29)

   View or download "An Overview of Choice Boards" in PDF Format

A functional behavior assessment (FBA) involves evidence-based processes for understanding the factors in a student’s environment that are influencing the occurrence of challenging behavior. Information from an FBA often directly informs a behavior intervention plan, which helps all members of the team implement consistent evidence-based practices aimed at reducing challenging behavior while simultaneously ensuring that students and staff are safe and that student needs are met to the extent possible. Here we offer some materials to (a) help develop FBAs, (b) use FBAs to inform BIPs, and (c) incorporate additional safety and rapport building practices into BIPs.

   View or download "State Board Rules for FBA/BIPs" in PDF Format
   View or download "Functional Behavior Assessment Summary Sheet - Template" in Word Format
   View or download "Behavior Intervention Plan - Template" in Word Format
   View or download "Self-Assessment Rubric" in PDF Format
   View or download "Functional Behavior Assessment Review" in PDF Format
   View or download "AAC and Restraint and Isolation" in PDF Format
   View or download "Refocusing a Group after Challenging Behavior" in PDF Format
   View or download "Re-Entry to the Classroom Following Restraint or Isolation" in PDF Format

First-then boards are a visual support that incorporate reinforcement, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Reinforcement is defined as “application of consequence that happens after a skill or behavior occurs that increases the learner’s use of the skill or behavior in a future situation." (Steinbrenner et al., 112). First-then boards are based on the principle of positive reinforcement, in which reinforcement is provided to an individual or a small group to increase a desired behavior.

   View or download "An Overview of First–Then Board" in PDF Format

Educators can make a variety of adjustments in the classroom that can support autistic students with academic learning. These adjustments can help autistic students access the general curriculum and provide them with scaffolds that improve academic engagement.

   View or download "Accommodations Fidelity Checklist" in PDF Format

   View or download "Administrator’s Guide to Instructional Adjustments for Autistic Students" in PDF Format

   View or download "Autism And Communication - Story-Based Lessons To Promote Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension Skills, And Writing Skills" in PDF Format

   View or download "Graphic Organizers — An Overview" in PDF Format

   View or download "Key Words Routine " in PDF Format

   View or download "Overview of Academic Adjustments for Educators" in PDF Format

   View or download "Paragraph Shrinking: Support at Home" in PDF Format

   View or download "Structured Academic Partners — An Overview" in PDF Format

   View or download "Summarizing: Support at Home" in PDF Format

   View or download "Visuals and Scripts for Academic Self-Advocacy — An Overview" in PDF Format

These intervention planning guides serve as examples for educators to use when describing supports for students with behavioral needs. A template is available for download.

   View or download "Intervention Planning Guide - Template" in Word Format
   View or download "Intervention Planning Guide - First Then Sample" in PDF Format
   View or download "Intervention Planning Guide - Frequent Breaks Sample" in PDF Format
   View or download "Intervention planning - Noncontingent Attention (NCA)" in PDF Format
   View or download "Intervention Planning Guide - Individual Schedule" in PDF Format

A schedule is an ordered list of specific activities to be completed during a given time period. Schedules are considered an antecedent-based intervention, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students that “include a variety of modifications that are made to the environment/context in an attempt to change or shape a learner’s behavior." (Steinbrenner et al. 63).

Types of Schedules:

   View or download "An Overview of Schedules - Written" in PDF Format
   View or download "An Overview of Schedules - Photo" in PDF Format
   View or download "An Overview of Schedules - Line Drawings" in PDF Format

Educators and families frequently have questions about the best way to support students with behavioral needs. The tip sheets below highlight some strategies to consider when addressing these needs.

   View or download "Evidence Based Practices for Behavior" in PDF Format

   View or download "Home and School Collaboration" in PDF Format

   View or download "Communication with families for paraprofessionals" in PDF Format

Token boards are an intervention that incorporate reinforcement, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Reinforcement is defined as “application of consequence that happens after a skill or behavior occurs that increases the learner’s use of the skill or behavior in future situation." (Steinbrenner et al., 112). Token boards are based on the principle of positive reinforcement, in which reinforcement is given to an individual or a small group to increase a desired behavior.

   View or download "An Overview of Token System" in PDF Format

A schedule is an ordered list of specific activities to be completed during a given time period. Schedules are considered an antecedent-based intervention, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students that “include a variety of modifications that are made to the environment/context in an attempt to change or shape a learner’s behavior.” (Steinbrenner et al. 63).

Types of Schedules:

   View or download "An Overview of Schedules - Written" in PDF Format
   View or download "An Overview of Schedules - Photo" in PDF Format
   View or download "An Overview of Schedules - Line Drawings" in PDF Format

First-then boards are a visual support that incorporate reinforcement, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Reinforcement is defined as “application of consequence that happens after a skill or behavior occurs that increases the learner’s use of the skill or behavior in a future situation.” (Steinbrenner et al., 112). First-then boards are based on the principle of positive reinforcement, in which reinforcement is provided to an individual or a small group to increase a desired behavior.

   View or download "An Overview of First–Then Board" in PDF Format

Choice boards are a form of visual support, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Visual supports are defined as a “visual display that supports the learner in engaging in a desired behavior or skills independent of additional prompts.” (Steinbrenner et al, 29)

   View or download "An Overview of Choice Boards" in PDF Format

Token boards are an intervention that incorporate reinforcement, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Reinforcement is defined as “application of consequence that happens after a skill or behavior occurs that increases the learner’s use of the skill or behavior in future situation.” (Steinbrenner et al., 112). Token boards are based on the principle of positive reinforcement, in which reinforcement is given to an individual or a small group to increase a desired behavior.

   View or download "An Overview of Token System" in PDF Format