Environmental supports are situations that are set up for success and designate a "safe place" to calm down (not for punishment). They also avoid confrontation through calmness, choices, and negotiation. Because all children with autism are so different, treatment and educational interventions should be individualized to suit the needs of the person.
The following is an interview with Sarah Hendley and a teacher who has worked with a student on the autism spectrum:
Environmental Supports and interventions may include:
Teaching skills and concepts in naturally occurring situations and across settings to maximize generalization.
Providing a predictable environment with consistent daily routines and minimal transitions.
Role playing social situations in which the individual with autism is taugh how to react to social cues.
Teaching social awareness, taking the perspective of another, and interpretations of non-literal language.
Teaching appropriate nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, gestures, proximity to others and correct posture.
Instruction on reading the nonverbal communications of others (e.g., facial expression & body language).
Restricting the discussion of the individual's special topic to specific times and/or places.
Creating a buddy system in which a peer can help with instructional directions by the teacher, remembering homework assignments, and staying on task. Buddies may also facilitate active socialization with others.
The following is an excerpt from an interview conducted by Sarah Hendley with a teacher with three students on the spectrum:
