Teaching and Tech Tinkerings of a Special Educator: Oh No! All That Snow!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Oh No! All That Snow!

The largest snowstorm in Northern Virginia's recorded history has created excitement for many students who, so far, have received two snow days. For students on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, such an overwhelming change in schedule may be unwelcome. Students with ASD have difficulty with changes in routine- altering schedules, caregivers, locations of activities, and the activities themselves are enough to stir intense anxiety in many children with ASD.

How can we quell snow day fears of our students with ASD?
1) Be proactive. In advance of snow days, talk about what happens when school is canceled. Create social stories and review possible scenarios for early dismissal, delayed school opening, and school cancelations.
2) Provide students with a list of activities they can do at home on a snow day.
3) Provide a sample schedule for parents that they can use in the home on snow days.
4) Request that parents show their students visually on the calendar that school is canceled by crossing out the word or picture of school and drawing or writing "snow."
5) Model using schedules throughout the day in the classroom. Model crossing out items when they change and writing what the replacement activity will be.