Learning feature 2.0 in ABA and speech therapy
We have successfully learned, in the previous article on beginner sorting features’ exercise, to make a basic object-feature connection and we are now ready to go forward with a deeper understanding of the different parts of items. In this level of learning, we provide more examples of items per feature and the number of features we sort through.
If you are new to working on the features of objects, you can start with the guide that takes you through the process of learning features:
Why learn about items’ features in ABA and speech therapy?
We have been struggling, like most special needs parents and educators, so much with language and communication. Through our experience and what scientists have found, working on the features of items helps children learn new words and meanings, develop reasoning and build language.
Children with Autism and other developmental delays struggle with linking objects with their category, function, and features. And these are essential building blocks to developing language and conversation skills.
How can ABA make understanding features easier for children with Autism?
The ABA learning process is designed to grow the level of difficulty in accordance with the level of the child with autism and other developmental delays. For example, while the child went through the beginner level, he acquired a basic understanding of features. Now we present him with more challenging exercises that require more concentration and a profound understanding of features. In the advanced level, there are:
- difficulties related to the number of items the child has to sort
- how difficult it is to make distinctions between some features since many objects have more than one use. Jeans, for example, can be classified with items that have zippers and items that have pockets at the same time.
How to teach sorting to children
The process is similar to the beginner level, the only difference is the number of items and features the child has to sort. In order to introduce this sorting activity follow these steps
- Print and laminate the activity file (at the bottom of this page), then cut the different images and task cards
- Use a velcro
- to attach the images to the activity card when the child answers.
- and use another velcro on the back of each activity card for organization and to make it easy to start and put away the activity.
- NB: The task cards provide a sample from each feature to make it easy for the child to understand what is expected from him.
- Ask the child to “sort the objects with ones that have the same feature “.
Download the printable file:
- Flashcards free pdf file to learn Sorting items by feature advanced level 3 Task cards (ABLLS-R)
- Flashcards free pdf file to learn Sorting items by feature advanced level 4 Task cards (ABLLS-R)
ABLLS-R Program Compliant Activities:
- B18 Sorting by feature
- Score 3
- Score 4
For scores 1 and 2, you can check sorting features for beginners :
