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Our Best Picks: Cool "Calming Devices" for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

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Activity-Shifting- Part II: Helping Kids on the Autism Spectrum to Move Successfully from One Task to Another

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Transition strategies are used to support children with HFA during changes in tasks, settings, and routines. These techniques are used before, during, and after the activity-shift occurs. The strategies increase predictability for the child, thus reducing meltdowns and tantrums. Here are some examples: Finished Box— This visual activity-shifting strategy can be used before and during a transition. This is a designated location where children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) place items that they are finished with when it is time to shift to a new activity. When it is time to transition, it is often helpful for these young people to have an assigned location to put materials prior to moving on to the next task. The box may be located in the child’s work area or in any center of the classroom or room in the home, and can be labeled with the word or a visual cue to indicate its purpose. Often, children with HFA may prefer to complete a task before moving on, and this m