Tag: special education

First-Then Boards & Token System for Autism

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Give your students clear expectations and motivating visual support with this First-Then Token Board System designed for autism, ABA therapy, and special education classrooms. This resource includes 10 printable First-Then boards, 7 token style choices, and 30 motivator visual cards—perfect for behavior reinforcement, task completion, transitions, and classroom routines.


These ready-to-use visual supports helps students understand what comes next, stay on task, and build independence. Ideal for autism classrooms, resource teachers, ABA therapists and SLPs.

Whats included

  • 10 First-Then Boards (clean, simple, easy-to-understand designs)
  • 7 Token Choices (large stars, small stars, smileys, colors, etc.)
  • 30 Motivator Choice Cards (classroom rewards, preferred items, activities)
  • First and Then Visuals for easy scheduling
  • Editable icons
  • Printable, low-prep format
  • Perfect for SPED, autism support, ABA, and behavior management

Perfect For

  • Autism support classrooms
  • ABA therapy sessions
  • Special Education teachers
  • Behavior intervention plans
  • Visual schedules and routines
  • Task completion and transitions
  • Reinforcement systems
  • Early childhood + Not Grade Specific

This printable First-Then Token Board is a must-have for autism support and special education! Visual schedules, motivator choices, and token options all included.

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✔ Supports communication for nonverbal or minimally verbal learners
✔ Reduces challenging behaviors by clarifying expectations
✔ Increases student motivation and independence
✔ Flexible use with ANY classroom routine
✔ Easy to print, laminate, and reuse

Building Functional Learning Skills in Autism Classrooms

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Functional Learning

Teaching in my autism classroom is about more than academics — it’s about helping students build the functional learning skills they need to thrive in everyday life. These are the real-world abilities that foster independence, communication, and social participation.

What Are Functional Learning Skills?

Functional learning skills are practical, teachable skills that students use in their daily routines and community life.

Examples include:

  • Daily Living Skills – brushing teeth, making snacks, dressing for the weather
  • Communication Skills – asking for help, greeting others, using AAC or visuals
  • Social Skills – turn-taking, sharing, recognizing emotions
  • Functional Skills – counting money, reading signs, telling time
  • Community Skills – shopping, following safety rules, using transportation

Why Functional Learning Matters

For many students with autism or developmental disabilities, functional learning creates the bridge between classroom lessons and real-world independence. When we teach academics through hands-on, meaningful activities, students learn how to apply those concepts in their everyday lives.

Example: Instead of simply counting objects, have students count coins to buy a snack during a class store or community outing.

Strategies to Support Functional Learning

  1. Embed Skills in Daily Routines
    Use transitions, meal prep, or classroom jobs as natural teaching moments.
  2. Use Visuals and Structured Supports
    Visual schedules, step-by-step task cards, and picture prompts make learning predictable and clear
  3. Incorporate Community-Based Learning
    Simulate real-world settings in the classroom or plan short, supported outings.
  4. Teach Functional Communication
    Embed language practice in authentic activities — like asking for a snack or greeting peers
  5. Celebrate Every Step of Progress
    Growth looks different for every student. Each new skill, no matter how small, builds toward independence.

Functional Learning in Action

Picture your students running a classroom snack shop to practice functional math, or preparing a simple lunch to develop daily living skills. These experiences encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence.

My Tips for Teachers

  • Focus on real-world relevance in lessons
  • Use visual supports and structured teaching
  • Prioritize communication and social interaction
  • Teach daily living and community skills
  • Celebrate functional progress, not just test scores

Functional learning skills give students the tools to navigate life with greater confidence and independence. Every skill — from zipping a coat to paying for a snack — helps prepare them for a brighter independent future.