The Incredible 5 Point Scale - Easterseals

The Incredible 5 Point Scale

What is the Incredible 5 Point Scale?

The Incredible 5 Point Scale is a visual method for helping individuals understand levels or intensity on any construct. It can be used to teach volume, emotions, pain, or nearly any information that can vary in degree or amount. The Incredible 5 Point Scale can be used to have individual's rate their current level of a specified construct. It can also be used to help learners modulate their behavior.

How do I create a 5 Point Scale?

1. First select a construct for the rating scale. As long as the construct has various degrees or levels, it is appropriate for the scale.

2. Assign values for each number. Define what each level of the concept looks/sounds like. 3. Create a visual support. Using the learner's area of interest, create a story that explains how to

use the scale. 4. Teach the scale. Build in time to teach the learner how to use the scale and how to identify each

level. 5. Extend its use. Have the learner practice the scale and ensure to teach generalization of the scale

so it can be uses it across settings and people.

Sample 5 Point Scales

5 Screaming Emergency

4 Outside Voice Recess/Cheering a game

3 Classroom Voice Talking

2 Whisper Voice Library/Movie

1 No talking Listen only

5 Angry I've lost control I might hurt someone

4 Overwhelmed I'm losing control I need to walk away

3 Frustrated I'm showing stress signs I need a break

2 Anxious I'm having a hard time I need calming strategies

1 Happy I'm ready to work

The Anxiety Curve

The anxiety curve model (Buron and Curtis) is one use of a 5 point scale. It illustrates anxiety and its relation to the learner's behavior. "1" is the trigger. "2" is early visual cues that anxiety is growing and simple strategies. "3 " and "4" focus on caregiver strategies to help diffuse the anxiety. By "4" the individual is no longer having a teachable moment, and is not able to make rational choices. "5" is the peak of anxiety.

Inappropriate behaviors and aggression may occur

This is peak anxiety. Don't try to talk or problem solve

Model calming strategies, don't offer choices

4

5

4

Encourage relaxation not decisions/actions

Time to leave the stressor

Early stress signs may be

2

identified;

refocus away

from stressor

1

3

3

Be encouraging and

supportive; don't discuss

the stressor

2 Can begin calmly

redirecting at this point

The caregiver curve. It is important to

stay calm to diffuse their anxiety

1

This is the foundation of the plan, where positive relationships are built and functional skills are taught (e.g., 5 point scale, social stories,

social skills)

How Can I Learn More?

Articles and Books

? Buron, K.D. (2007). A "5" Could Make Me Lose Control! An activity-based method for evaluating and supporting highly anxious students. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

? Buron, K. D., & Curtis, M. (2012). The incredible 5-point scale: The Significantly Improved and Expanded Second Edition; Assisting students in understanding social interactions and controlling their emotional responses. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

? Buron, K.D., Curtis, M. (2004). Incredible 5-Point Scale Assisting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Understanding Social Interactions and Controlling their Emotional Responses. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

Adapted from fact sheets originally published by Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance and Illinois State University.

Easterseals ? 1939 W. 13th Street ? Chicago, IL ? 60608

P 312.432.1751

Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago, Inc. dba: Easterseals, has programs and services throughout Chicagoland and the Rockford Region in Illinois, as well as Northwest Indiana. Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago, Inc. is a non-profit affiliate of Easter Seals, Inc., a national organization.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download