Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!
I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others, too.
"Hello! I would like to ask you about the countdown, please. You say that you offer it to your learners, but what about PDA profile children, who might not take the card by themselves… In this case, can I take it off them? And can the motives on the countdown be attractive, so it could strengthen or trigger the difficulty to end an activity?
I would like to practice this with two of my learners who have a clear PDA profile."
It may be too much of a demand for them on its own.
Instead, maybe try having a choice board where they can choose the next exciting thing they want to do.
Then, if they want, they can start right away, or if they need a little more time, you could say, “Do you need 3 symbols, 2 symbols or 1 symbol worth of time?”
Then you put that amount on and honour their choice, making it quicker or slower, reading their signals when they are done.
Then, because they have chosen the amount of time and the next activity, they will be far more likely to go.
I find the images, if they are linked to a special interest, can be rewarding too, especially if they have chosen what they want them to do.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.
*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions, you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.
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