The Polyxo.com Curriculum
Language and Communication Skills
Language (be it spoken, sign, or picture/symbol-based) instruction is often the largest, and most important, portion of a program for a child with autism.
Imitating Vocalizations
"Echoics" or verbal behavior that mimics a given model of verbal behavior.
- Imitating sounds
- Imitating words
- Imitating phrases
Following Directions
Typically non-verbal behavior in response to spoken words.
- Following one-step directions
- Following directions involving possession
- Following two-step directions
- Following directions involving objects not in immediate view
- Following directions involving prepositions
- Following conditional directions
- Following directions involving delayed action
- Following directions as part of a group
- Following illustrated directions
- Following written directions
Making Requests
"Manding" or verbal behavior used to fulfill an internal need.
- Pointing to desired items that are in view
- Pointing to the location desired items that are out of view
- Requesting preferred items that are in view
- Requesting preferred items that are out of view
- Seeking out a communicative partner
- Asking for help
- Asking to use the bathroom
- Asking for information
Labeling
"Tacting" or verbal behavior that puts a name to stimuli in the environment.
- Labeling general nouns (objects, people, places)
- Labeling verbs (actions)
- Labeling environmental sounds
- Labeling emotions
- Labeling colors
- Labeling numbers
- Labeling letters
- Uppercase letters
- Lowercase letters
- Labeling professions
- Labeling possession
- Using the carrier phrase, "I see a ..."
- Using the carrier phrase, "I have a ..."
- Using the carrier phrase, "I hear a ..."
- Using the carrier phrase, "I feel a ..."
Conversation
"Intraverbals" or verbal behavior as a response to spoken words
- Completing word associations
- Animal noises
- Associated objects
- Completing songs and nursery rhymes
- Answering WH-questions
- What
- Who
- Where
- Why
- When
- How
- Answering social questions
- Questions about personal information
- Questions about family
- Questions about school
- Questions about preferences
- Questions about emotions
- Reciprocating information
