What communication scripts might you use to support practice of this skill? Are these complete scripts or just key words to support initiation?
Communication scripts may be used to teach the student to request a break or to signal a quick exit from a situation that is escalating. A student may feel frustration and anger, need a break, but not know how to go about taking that break. The script will vary depending on the student’s level of functioning. A picture card requesting a break may be used, or a simple written script “I need a break,” may be more suitable. Or, perhaps, something in between with both pictures and words is appropriate for the student. Also consider that if the student is not able to verbalize his needs (because he is so upset), he could present the script to the instructor to signal his needs:
On the script card, does the student need additional picture or word cues to define his body position, facial expression, gestures, etc. during the use of the script?
If the student is frustrated and needs a break in order to calm down, now is not the time to work on other social communication skills, such as eye contact and body language. These social communication skills may be overwhelming and cause additional stress. At most, you may want to include who to ask/tell about the break, such as a supervisor or job coach.
What additional visual clarity cues (e.g. color-coding, highlighting) might you add to the visual script to promote attention and comprehension for the student?
What scenarios might you present (using scenario Act it Out cards) to help students produce their own dialogue and interactions to practice or role-play in a scene?
What video scenarios might you present to help students make accurate discriminations between appropriate and less appropriate responses?
Showing the student an appropriate versus inappropriate response to handling a frustrating situation may be a good way to foster a discussion about how to handle frustration and anger. If the student struggles with an open dialogue about the videos, create a worksheet so he can write his answers. Watching video scenarios is also a great way to practice identifying frustration and anger prior to coping with the situations. Remember to always practice the skill after labeling what is happening in a video scenario.
Are you arranging frequent practice opportunities with visual scripts and scenarios to build independence and fluency through repetition?
