- TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804
- Parent Transition Support and Education
Parent Support and Education
Behavior
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De-Escalating Behavior
Strategies to help de-escalate behavior may include relaxation strategies, creating safe spaces, using visual supports, providing clear expectations, and use of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI).
- Tips for when a Crisis Arises
- Crisis Prevention Interventions your Child's School Team Uses
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Training
- Behavioral Crisis Support from Autism Speaks
- Tips for when a Crisis Arises
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Motivation
Proper motivation needs to be in place for an individual to want to participate or succeed in an activity. Motivation is the first thing that needs to be in place before an activity begins. Children and adults have to want to do what is being asked of them.
- Motivating for Children with Different Needs
- Fostering Motivation
- Positive Strategies to Support Behavior
- Motivating for Children with Different Needs
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Calming Strategies
Calming strategies should be used proactively and reactively to help children and adults regulate their behavior. Strategies should be used and taught when a person is calm and regulated so that once they are learned they can then be applied during times of stress. Identify what your child really enjoys and build those opportunities into their day.
Visual Support
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Schedules
Visual schedules:
Picture and/or word schedules outlining activities. Use them to get through a trip to the grocery story, have a playdate, or take a shower independently.
Mini schedules:The steps listed with pictures and/or words to complete an activity.
First/Then schedules:
First list an activity with pictures and/or words to be completed, followed by a reward or preferred activity. Use pictures or simply state your directions in a First/ Then sequence; "First put on your shoes, Then get your iPad".
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Visuals
Visuals are used to reinforce auditory information that has been communicated to a person. Use visuals when giving directions. Visuals take the emotionality out of a situation. They provide information in a way that children and adults understand. Point to pictures or words to communicate your message. Visuals allow a person to decrease their verbal directives; a useful strategy in decreasing behaviors.
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Social Stories
Social stories preview social and behavioral expectations. They detail the who, what, when, where, and why. They can be read or watched. They should be used repeatedly before a situation occurs that has been identified as difficult for your child. They should also be used to preview and teach new content because the repetition and visual supports will impart more meaning. Use them before a trip to the dentist, a playdate, before a flight, or to teach about hygiene and personalize them for your own child's needs.
- Social Story Overview and Printables
- YouTube Collection of Video Social Stories
- Social Stories Organized by Category
- Printable Social Stories Organized Alphabetically
- Extensive Collection of Free Printable Social Stories
Medical Social Stories:
- Social Story Overview and Printables
Independence
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Skill Development
People of all ages and abilities can learn new skills. Instruction should be individualized to meet a person's needs. Skill development should be taught with a variety of supports. These may include mini schedules, First/Then schedules, and visuals.
Tasks can be broken down into smaller steps and taught one by one. This is called chaining or sequencing of a task. Once a step or skill is mastered, a new skill can be added.
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Increasing Engagement & Participation
Modeling and adapting activities can increase a individual's competence and comfort in social or novel situations. Modeling of an activity is particularly useful in teaching a new skill or expected behavior. The approach of "I do, we do, you do" can be an effective way to model.
Video Modeling provides an opportunity for your child to preview a situation or the expected behavior in a location in a moving picture or video format. It is also beneficial to see the motor plan sequence of a task. Repeated viewing may increase competence and familiarity.
- Video Modeling of School Social Skills
- Social Stories and Video Modeling App List
- Parties and Social Event Tips and Resources
- Video Modeling of School Social Skills
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Increasing Independence
Increasing independence is a key to success at home and in the community. Acquiring new skills leads to more independence. Increased independence leads to more options and better outcomes in the community and at home. Providing structure within physical space and tasks is an excellent strategy for increasing independence.
Limiting and using appropriate cueing or prompting is key to independence. A prompting hierarchy outlines the types of prompts in order from least to most supportive.
Hygiene
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Primary School
Toilet training is an age appropriate skill to teach at this age. It may be a lengthy process and look different for each child. Allow your child to complete any and all steps they are able to.
Habit Training:
When a child voids on the toilet when prompted to do so, on an external support's cue, such as a timer or and adult prompt.
Toilet Training:
When a child independently completes all steps of the toileting process including withholding and initiation to go.
Diapering:
Some individuals will always require diapers. Below is a fact sheet to help you minimize the cost. -
Junior High and High School
At this age new, important grooming skills should be taught and consistently practiced. This includes, using deodorant, brushing hair and teeth, and washing their face. Body and hormonal changes may start or continue to take place and new skills may need to be introduced and taught.- Applying Deodorant
- Family Hygiene Tips
- Clipping nails video modeling
- Taking a bath video modeling
- Body Changes
- Puberty Social Story
MenstruationSexuality -
Transition to Adulthood
Self care skills build upon themselves as individuals grow older and are an important skill set to have. Appearances are important. A person's hair, face and hands should be kept clean. This is necessary in the workplace and in social situations.When dressing is challenging due to physical or behavioral challenges, adapted clothing can be worn to minimize difficulties.
Adaptive Equipment
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Adaptive Equipment
Adapted equipment is useful and necessary for some individuals to access activities.
Adaptive Mall: All Things Adapted Equipment
Adapted Toys:
Switch Adapted Toys
Switch Toys by Category
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Transportation Resources:
MobilityWorks, Adapted Vehicles
Pace Paratransit Service
Adapted Seating Resources:
Adaptive Chairs and Seating
Home Modification Resources:
Home Modifications
Feeding Resources:
Feeding Resources
Parent Professional Learning
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Preparing Your Child (& Yourself) for the Future / ¡Preparando a su hijo/a (y a ti mismo) para el futuro!
Preparing Your Child (& Yourself) for the Future / ¡Preparando a su hijo/a (y a ti mismo) para el futuro!Passcode/Código de acceso: Trueorth804! -
Navigating Illinois Disability Services Webinar
Webinar Recording from January 2023: Presented by Glenview School District 34 and TrueNorth
Passcode: D34/TrueNorth
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IEP's - The Basics and Beyond/ Los fundamentos y más allá del IEP
Passcode/Código de acceso: Truenorth804!
Community Connections
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Community Connections
Take advantage of TrueNorth's Community Partnerships, local camps, leisure activities and local businesses that support and include all family members. Check out the Social Stories and Visual Pages for tips and resources to support your child on these outings
Community Partners and Resources
NSSRA
TOPSoccer
Center for Enriched Living
Special Gifts Theatre
Wagner Farm
Equestrian Connections
Special Olympics
Camps
Camp Soar
Keshet
NSSRA
Fun Activities and Hangouts
Centennial Ice Rink
Pinstripes
Golf Mill
Northbrook Court
Dave and Buster's
Brunswick Bowl
Kohl Children's Museum
Chicago Botanic Gardens
