About this resource
Waiting is easier when you know what you are waiting for, how long it will be and what you can do meanwhile. These cards show a wait symbol, a what are we waiting for space and choices of things to do while waiting, with a quick guide for supporters.
Purpose
To make waiting more predictable and manageable.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Disability support workers. Also relevant for positive behaviour support practitioners, educators and school support staff.
Client or participant group: Children and adults who find waiting hard.
Practice setting: Appointments, queues, transport, mealtimes and community outings.
Suggested uses
- Appointments and queues
- Mealtimes
- Transport
- Community outings
Instructions for practitioners
- Practise waiting for short times first, during calm moments.
- Always tell the person what they are waiting for.
- Offer things to do while waiting.
- Keep promises; reward waiting with what was promised.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Look at the card.
- Choose something to do while you wait.
Accessibility considerations
Laminate and attach to a keyring. Add photos of the person's favourite waiting activities.
Scope and limitations
A visual support.
Research basis
Visual schedules and other visual supports are established evidence-based practices for autistic children and young people, and are widely used with others who benefit from visual information. Positive behaviour support aims to improve quality of life and reduce behaviours of concern by understanding their function and changing environments and skills.
- Allen, D., James, W., Evans, J., Hawkins, S., & Jenkins, R. (2005). Positive Behavioural Support: Definition, Current Status and Future Directions. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 10(2), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595474200500014
- Knight, V., Sartini, E., & Spriggs, A. D. (2015). Evaluating Visual Activity Schedules as Evidence-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(1), 157–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2201-z
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards
- Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina. https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Symbols are original line drawings created for Practitioner Plus.
