(National Research Council, 2001).
FAQs
• Question: What is a boundary setting?
• A: A boundary setting is an intervention that creates structure at home or school by defining areas that are accessible and/or are appropriate for specific activities.
• Why use boundary settings?
• A: The structure that is created helps children make good choices and • A: The structure that is created helps children make good choices and
manage their behavior in a safe and appropriate way.
• Question: When should boundary settings be used?
• A: If a child has trouble staying in one place, transitioning, focusing, or leaving others' belongings alone a boundary setting may be an effective intervention.
FAQs
• Question: At what ages can boundary settings be used?
• A: The low-cost interventions can be used for individuals at any age, from toddlers to adults.
• Question: What materials might be needed for boundary settings?
• A: Most boundary setting materials are readily available and cheap. They include colored tape, cardboard boxes, photos, and carpet
squares. squares.
• Question: Do I have to be a really organized person to implement a
label system?
• A: No you don't have to be the most organized person on the block for a labeling system to work. But you might discover that you will benefit as much as the child does when you incorporate a labeling system in your daily routine. It's amazing how much less picking up you will do when there is a "place for everything & everything in its place."
FAQs
• Question: How do I decide what kinds of labels to use? Should I
invest in a computer program, use photos, try to draw?
• A: Use whatever works the best to help the child understand the information easily and quickly. Generally, the more realistic looking, the better. It shouldn't be too complicated or take too much thought to figure out. If you have to think about it too much, it may be too
complicated of a system. If the child has difficulty understanding your system, you may inadvertently have added one more stressor to the child's day. Try to keep it as simple as possible.
• Question: What is important to keep in mind about using labels?
• A: Like any tool, be sure to use it! You can have the neatest, most easily understood labeling system possible but if you don't implement it and use it, what good is it? Does the child easily understand your system? Can the child recognize or be taught to recognize what the label stands for? After you have a system in place, remember to evaluate it every so often to make sure it is still working for the child.
FAQs
• Question: If I use a camera to make pictures for labels, will I need to
be a good photographer?
• A: No. Just remember a few basics and you will be a pro in no time. a.) Be sure you know how to operate your camera correctly! Read the manual to know how your camera operates best. This seems like an unnecessary thing to point out, but the more you know about how your camera works, the better your labels will turn out. b.) Take a close-up of the object for which you are making a label. c.) Be aware of what is behind the object you intend to photograph - try to have a plain, simple background to avoid any distractions. d.) Check the film and batteries before using the camera!
• Question: Do I have to have good art abilities to make a People
Locator for my child?
• A: No, not at all! If you can operate a camera, you can make a People Locator!
FAQs
• Question: What if my child continues to perseverate on where a
favorite person is even after a People Locator is being utilized?
• A: Be patient and continue using the People Locator. It may take time for the child to feel secure that the information on the People Locator is accurate and can be "trusted."
• Question: Can a People Locator be used for all the students in my
classroom? classroom?
• A: Sure! It may even be used as a handy way to take roll. Each child could put his or her picture on the "Who Is Here" portion of the locator when they come into the room every morning. At a glance, you and all the students would know who is present and who is
absent. A People Locator doesn't have to be limited only to the child with ASD.
FAQs
• Question: Is a People Locator really helpful in the home setting?
• A: Yes, because it will help the child understand where family
members are using a visual format that is more readily processed by the child with ASD. When the child understands where the family member is, it can help lower his/her stress and anxiety levels about the family member's absence.
• Question: Should the child with ASD be included on the People • Question: Should the child with ASD be included on the People
Locator?
• A: Including the child can help him/her transition between places when the picture of where he/she currently is located is exchanged for the picture of where he/she is going.
• Question: Why do we use visual schedules?
• A: Visual schedules help individuals understand what they will be doing for a certain period of time and help enhance expected
FAQs
• Question: Who benefits from using a visual schedule.
• A: Almost everyone can benefit from a visual schedule.
• Question: What do I need to make a visual schedule?
• A: Materials needed for a visual schedule depend on the number of children who will use the schedule, its placement, and need for
mobility. Generally, visual schedules requires
• Some type of symbol such as a photograph, line drawing, words, or • Some type of symbol such as a photograph, line drawing, words, or
objects.
• Construction paper, file folder, clipboard, or another medium on which to present the visual schedule.
• A means of adhering the symbols to the backing and something that will allow you to post the schedule. Common items used for this
FAQs
• Question: If my child can talk, can she benefit from a visual
schedule?
• A: Yes. Children of all abilities can benefit from a visual schedule. When deciding whether a visual schedule will benefit your child, consider the child's ability to understand rather than the ability to speak.
speak.
• Question: How do I change the schedule to include an activity that
is unfamiliar to my child?
• A: A question mark may be used to symbolize a new or different activity.