Issue Three - Easily confused with task sheets that have multiple components
What does the research say about this issue?It is common for students with autism to experience problems with organizing and sequencing information and to be easily confused by assignments/task sheets that may have multiple components. This is usually as a result of poor executive function processes. Executive function relates to organizing, planning, and self-monitoring (Attwood, 2008) and is widely recognized as a difficulty individuals with autism often possess. This function allows individuals to recognize and respond appropriately to a variety of situations and therefore, be able to identify a goal and carry out the steps necessary to achieve the goal, even if there are significant distractions (Carnahan, Williamson, & Christman, 2011). Executive function differences result in problems with regulating attention, generalizing skills, and integrating new information which, for students with autism, can make seemingly simple tasks or activities quite complex. For example, completing a worksheet or a task sheet for an assessment requires executive function processes such as organizing, beginning, and self-monitoring.
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How does this issue affect Christopher?
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Suggested strategy to assist issue - Modified task sheet
As a result of poor executive function processes students with autism often have difficulties with comprehending and concentrating on large volumes of writing or
instructions and as such, assignment task sheets or worksheets can be problematic (Attwood, 2008; Carnahan & Williamson, 2010). Attwood (2008) discuss that it is important to present written task sheets in a consistent way with a set structure to assist with problems in initiating and completing the steps involved. According to Carnahan, Williamson, and Christman (2011) there are many ways teachers can modify task sheets to help students with autism overcome these barriers. These strategies include: use language that is clear and concise; provide simple, easy-to-understand directions and instructions; break down the task sheet into multiple steps, ensure each step has a specific due date where students must show their progress on various components of the task; highlight important information such as due dates, use fewer instructions on a page and increase font size, de-clutter the task sheet by removing any unnecessary images or writing, and provide a checklist to show important elements. Ideally, the same modifications and presentation format should be consistently applied to all task sheets across all learning areas.
With this in mind, the following modifications to a task sheet were made for Christopher -
instructions and as such, assignment task sheets or worksheets can be problematic (Attwood, 2008; Carnahan & Williamson, 2010). Attwood (2008) discuss that it is important to present written task sheets in a consistent way with a set structure to assist with problems in initiating and completing the steps involved. According to Carnahan, Williamson, and Christman (2011) there are many ways teachers can modify task sheets to help students with autism overcome these barriers. These strategies include: use language that is clear and concise; provide simple, easy-to-understand directions and instructions; break down the task sheet into multiple steps, ensure each step has a specific due date where students must show their progress on various components of the task; highlight important information such as due dates, use fewer instructions on a page and increase font size, de-clutter the task sheet by removing any unnecessary images or writing, and provide a checklist to show important elements. Ideally, the same modifications and presentation format should be consistently applied to all task sheets across all learning areas.
With this in mind, the following modifications to a task sheet were made for Christopher -
- Unnecessary images and language was removed.
- Language was simplified to meet Christopher's level of comprehension.
- The task was rearranged in step-by-step instructions.
- The task sheet was spread out over two pages using a large easy-to-read font.
- Specific due dates were highlighted in a different color.
- A simplified checklist was provided.
Example of unmodified task sheet
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Example of modified task sheet
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Original Source - "Change Detectives Task Sheet", Sandy Straight State School