Visual Timers
How can visual timers help students with FASD?
Student's with FASD tend to be easily distracted and they often struggle with long periods of required attention. These colourful timers act as a concrete visual aid for the student. This way, they are aware of how much time has passed and how much time remains, without bothering people around them.
How would I use these in my classroom?
Allowing the student to keep one of these on their desk can help them self regulate their learning by being aware of how long they are expected to stay on task. They are reminded to stay focused on what is in front of them, and are able to sustain attention for the desired period of time.
Student's with FASD tend to be easily distracted and they often struggle with long periods of required attention. These colourful timers act as a concrete visual aid for the student. This way, they are aware of how much time has passed and how much time remains, without bothering people around them.
How would I use these in my classroom?
Allowing the student to keep one of these on their desk can help them self regulate their learning by being aware of how long they are expected to stay on task. They are reminded to stay focused on what is in front of them, and are able to sustain attention for the desired period of time.
Research supporting Visual Timers:
Kalberg, Wendy O. and David Buckley (2007). FASD: What types of intervention and rehabilitation are useful? Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 31, 278-285.
Olswang, Lesley B., Liselotte Svensson and Susan Astley (2010). Observation of Classroom Social Communication: Do Children with FASD Spend Their Time Differently Than Their Typically Developing Peers?. Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research 53, 1687-1703.
*specific relevance on page 1700