Everyday Teaching Autism Resources

When working with individuals with autism, workbox tasks can be a helpful tool for promoting engagement, skill development, and independence. Many special educators have shared their workbox task ideas online. Workboxes are typically designed as self-contained activities that focus on specific skills or goals. Here are some task box ideas for individuals with autism:

1. Sorting and Matching Tasks:
   • Sort objects by color, shape, size, or category.
   • Match objects or pictures based on similarities or associations.
   • Sort letters or numbers into respective compartments or slots.
2. Puzzles and Manipulatives:
   • Complete simple jigsaw puzzles with varying difficulty levels.
   • Build structures using blocks or construction materials.
   • Solve tangram puzzles or pattern matching games.
3. Fine Motor and Hand-Eye Coordination Tasks:
   • Use tweezers or tongs to transfer small objects from one container to another.
   • Complete lacing or threading activities.
   • Practice buttoning, zipping, or snapping tasks.
4. Sensory and Tactile Tasks:
   • Engage in sensory exploration by playing with sensory bins or tactile materials, such as sand, rice, or water beads.
   • Sort objects based on textures, such as smooth, rough, soft, or hard.
   • Complete sensory-based activities like squishing playdough or engaging in finger painting.
5. Matching and Memory Tasks:
   • Play memory games by matching pairs of cards or pictures.
   • Match uppercase and lowercase letters.
   • Match words with corresponding pictures.
6. Sequencing and Ordering Tasks:
   • Arrange a series of pictures or steps in the correct order.
   • Sequence events or tasks using visual cues or cards.
   • Complete pattern or sequence-based activities, such as color patterns or shape sequences.
7. Functional Life Skills Tasks:
   • Practice independent skills, such as brushing teeth, folding clothes, or setting the table, using task cards or visual prompts.
   • Engage in cooking or food preparation tasks, following step-by-step instructions.
   • Sort and organize objects or materials based on their function or use.

Remember to consider the individual’s interests, abilities, and developmental level when selecting task box activities. Task boxes should be engaging, appropriately challenging, and promote the development of specific skills. Additionally, providing visual supports, clear instructions, and reinforcement can enhance the effectiveness of task boxes for individuals with autism.

The goals is for students to complete the assigned workbox tasks with minimal staff prompts. In addition, each box has a clear skill goal for the child to work on or practice based on their IEP goals and ABLLS-R curriculum.

The TEACCH model employs work systems that break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. These systems help individuals with autism develop independence, follow a sequence, and complete tasks. Work systems can be implemented in various settings, such as home, school, and community.

Visual supports play a central role in the TEACCH model. Visual schedules, visual task lists, and visual prompts are used to provide clarity, increase predictability, and support the individual’s understanding of tasks, expectations, and routines.