In today’s digital age, it’s no secret that children, especially those with autism, can quickly become absorbed in screen-based activities like computers, video games, and iPads. Similarly, children with autism can become obsessed over other activities, too! They have such unique and intense interests, which is part of the reason why I love my students! I had one student who was absolutely obsessed over goldfish crackers, and another student LOVED to visit the bathroom.
While intense interests can provide entertainment and educational value, excessive use can lead to unhealthy habits and decreased physical activity. It can also lead to a decrease in meaningful social connections, as well as behavior difficulties.
Request cards could be the simple behavior tool that you’ve been waiting for!
What are Request Cards?
They are a behavioral tool to limit the number of times a student can engage in a specific activity or have a particular item. It also serves as a visual for the students to let them know how many more times they can engage in the activity.
How Do I Use Request Cards in the Classroom?
Each day, the student is given a certain number of cards. When they want the activity or item, they hand a card to a teacher or the teacher prompts the use of it. Once all the request cards are used, they can no longer do the activity or have the item.
Based on your student, you might want to vary the “rules.” Request cards might be reset at the beginning of the day or twice daily (in the morning and after lunch). If students use all their cards at the start of the day, they might be unmotivated for the rest of the day. Therefore, resetting the request cards twice daily might be a better plan.
How Many Request Cards Should I Start With?
Before introducing request cards, establish a baseline. How often does the student currently request the activity? Now, decrease that number by one or two. That is how many request cards should be available. During implementation, take simple data daily by recording how many cards the student started with and whether the student was successful. After 1-3 days of successful implementation, decrease the number of request cards available by one. Continue on this path until you’ve reached a reasonable number of times per day.
Best Practices:
It’s important to take this behavior tool and modify it to work for your individual. My first piece of advice is to give the tool time to work. You will likely see an increase in aversive behavior when first implementing. Try to ride it out or increase the number of request cards. Here are some quick tips to remember:
- We want the student to have success to start-don’t start with a small number of request cards
- Each card should have a visual of the activity/object- real photos are best!
- Preteach the concept with the student, first- social stories are a good option!
Get Your FREE Template
I want you to get started as fast as you can! Get this free request cards template. All you need to do is add your own visuals. Click here to check it out!
Need More Behavior Support?
I’m always looking for more resources to add to my behavior tricks toolbox. Check out some of these resources to address behavior in your classroom