Visual schedules not only benefit children with ASD, but they are also helpful for all children in the classroom

Models are used in both classroom and at-home settings to ensure fluidity and structure in helping a child with ASD learn effecitve ways to communicate and learn other important skills

Visual supports are useful tools for children with ASD and can be used in a variety of settings but for the same purpose: to ensure that the child learns and develops an effective communication and interaction skills, as well as a way to provide structure for the child.

Stating how visual supports can be used as an effective intervention tool to ensure that a child with ASD recieves the assistance they need when communicating and learning.

I plan on using this definition when defining that Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder are;

What types of tools are used; visual schedule

VI used as a means of communication for individuals with autism; similar to sign language

Question: Why is it important to integrate the use these visual tools/supports into the classroom for children with autism?

Some children with autism experience difficulty with communication, and this often makes learning challenging

One reason why visual supports are important both in and out of the classroom

Specifically classroom setting?

Question: What are visual supports and what do they consist of?

Could use for a definition

Examples of Physically Setting Parameters- Physical Boundaries: placing the visual on a physical boundary that is already defined (i.e. a door or window) and referring to it when the rule is followed

Limited availability: deciding the number of times (or length) of time that an item or activity is available

Wait: Start by display the symbol for ‘wait’ for a short/set amount of time before the child can receive the desired item or activity

Visual Schedule's are helpful because they break down certain tasks, especially tasks that have multiple steps; they help enforce the completion of these tasks by the ASD students

First-Then Board helpful when teaching ASD children how to follow directions and when learning new skills

Visual Schedule's display to children a set list of activities that will occur throughout the day; it may also display specific actions that will occur within certain activities

First-Then boards are visual displays that show children a preferred activity that will occur after a previous task is completed; ex: First: Eating lunch, Then: Go to playground

Visually Setting Parameters: involves using visuals to set clear boundaries for activities and items, and is used to communicate behaviors

VS used with ASD children to (1) help teach social skills, (2) help child communicate wants and needs, and (3) assist children in coping with change and paying attention

VS used to help ASD children who struggle when interacting socially, using language, and having limited interests/repetitive behaviors

VS used as a communication tool between children and parents, and between children and other adults/peers

What is a visual support

I like the idea of Learning Contracts because while they give students the opportunity to complete tasks in their own unique ways, they also hold students accountable for their actions while completing assignments. With learning contracts, both the teacher and the student have an equal understanding of what material is being learned, as well as the steps that will be taken/met in the process.

I like the Learning Environment section that includes the ideas of flexible learning spaces and multi-age co- teaching. I think it is important for people of all ages to collaborate and provide input about different ways to personalize and utilize a functioning PLE because each age group or individual is going to have a different point of view about how to create an effective learning environment, and it's important to share ideas because you never know what may work for you.

Not only do I like this model because the Four C's are easy to remember, but also because it encourages a person to work independently (i.e. gathering information, data, etc.) as well as collaboratively with others, such as sharing and discussing thoughts and ideas.

I like how this definition uses the terms 'self-directed' and 'evolving' when referring to what type of environment a PLE is. As we continue to grow as individuals, our needs are constantly changing, and thus we must change things around in order to meet those needs. The words 'self-directed' highlight the fact that we are in control of our own unique personal learning environment and we can change it any time we want to in order to meet our changing/'evolving' needs.

I really like how you included information about your family in your inspiration section. I think that this helps your audience relate to you on a deeper level and this definitely makes you seem very approachable! I think adding a little bit of information about why you look up to her so much would make this paragraph even stronger. I think you are off to a good start on your 'About' page so far!

I think that you did a nice job including the educational experiences in your 'Experience' section. This establishes credibility, and that is important. One thing I think you should possibly consider incorporating into this section is some of the future educational or teaching experiences you look forward to participating in; this would add some strength to this section. Once again, nice job! I look forward to seeing your website progress.