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    The Incredible 5 Point Scale

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    Cintia Ferris Lantero
    The document discusses The Incredible 5-Point Scale, a behavioral support tool used to teach social skills and regulate emotions to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It works by assigning behaviors, emotions, or expectations a number or color on a visual scale. Case studies demonstrate how the scale can be used to help individuals understand appropriate voice volume, types of touching, and coworker interactions. The scale provides a simple way to break down complex social situations and self-monitor one's own behaviors.

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    The Incredible 5 Point Scale

    Uploaded by

    Cintia Ferris Lantero
    510 views10 pages
    The document discusses The Incredible 5-Point Scale, a behavioral support tool used to teach social skills and regulate emotions to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It works by assigning behaviors, emotions, or expectations a number or color on a visual scale. Case studies demonstrate how the scale can be used to help individuals understand appropriate voice volume, types of touching, and coworker interactions. The scale provides a simple way to break down complex social situations and self-monitor one's own behaviors.

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    The document discusses The Incredible 5-Point Scale, a behavioral support tool used to teach social skills and regulate emotions to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It works by assigning behaviors, emotions, or expectations a number or color on a visual scale. Case studies demonstrate how the scale can be used to help individuals understand appropriate voice volume, types of touching, and coworker interactions. The scale provides a simple way to break down complex social situations and self-monitor one's own behaviors.

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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    510 views10 pages

    The Incredible 5 Point Scale

    Uploaded by

    Cintia Ferris Lantero
    The document discusses The Incredible 5-Point Scale, a behavioral support tool used to teach social skills and regulate emotions to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It works by assigning behaviors, emotions, or expectations a number or color on a visual scale. Case studies demonstrate how the scale can be used to help individuals understand appropriate voice volume, types of touching, and coworker interactions. The scale provides a simple way to break down complex social situations and self-monitor one's own behaviors.

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    The Incredible 5-Point scale

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/autism5-point-scale-ep/id467303313?mt=8
    Overview

    It is not uncommon for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to have
    problems with social competence and understanding how their behavior impacts
    themselves and others. In addition, they frequently battle with anxiety and have difficulty
    regulating their emotions and stress levels. As a result, they repeatedly struggle in
    social situations. The behavioral support known as the Incredible 5-Point Scale, created
    by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis (2003), provides a visual representation of social
    behaviors, emotions, and abstract ideas. It is a simple scale used to teach social
    understanding. Kari stresses, that "the scale is about breaking social and emotional
    concepts into 5 parts. It is a teaching tool".

    Designing a 5-Point Scale

    Given that the majority of individuals with ASD are visual learners, the Incredible 5-Point
    Scale simplifies behaviors by assigning them a number and /or color. A scale is created
    for a specific individual or group of individuals and tailored for a specific situation or
    behavior. Individuals with ASD have social cognitive differences; they learn differently
    than others learn. This is an important concept to keep in mind when working with these
    individuals and teaching them to use this tool.
    The premise is easy and can be adapted for almost every behavior or expectation
    imaginable. In their book, The Incredible 5-Point Scale: Assisting students with autism
    spectrum disorders in understanding social interactions and controlling their emotional
    responses, Buron and Curtis (2003), provide multiple examples for use including: (a)
    controlling voice level, (b) dealing with obsessive behaviors, and (c) meeting and
    greeting others to name a few.
    The key is to identify the behavior, whether it be reducing anxiety around a situation by
    providing 5 steps or strategies, or labeling the levels of voice from whispering to
    shouting. Once a behavior is identified, it needs to be task analyzed or broken into
    concrete parts. Working with the individual with ASD, these parts need to be assigned a
    label. An example provided by Buron and Curtis deals with understanding emotions
    from happy to angry. For their example faces are used to identify or tag the feelings for
    the child. The child, working one on one with an adult, is taught what "angry" looks like,
    what it "feels" like, and how to get help or what to do when they are angry.

    Teaching the 5-Point Scale


    As stated in the overview, Kari Dunn Buron stresses that "the scale is about breaking
    social and emotional concepts into 5 parts. It is a teaching tool".

    Ideally, a scale is crafted by the individual with ASD, if appropriate, and a teacher,
    therapist/s, parent/s, employer, etc. Once developed, the scale should initially be used
    in a 1:1 direct instructional session. When the individual comprehends the ratings and
    how to use the scale, it can be utilized in a group situation.

    Case Study: Jonah


    Jonah has Asperger Syndrome; he is in the second grade. Jonah is always being
    reminded by his teacher to speak with an "inside" voice. Whether in class, in the
    cafeteria, in the library, or out on the playground, Jonah uses the same volume ... very
    loud. Jonah's peers get frustrated with him when he is working with them in a group and
    is supposed to be whispering or talking softly, but instead speaks loudly. More often
    than not, his group does not receive a sticker for appropriate group work due to Jonah's
    voice volume. Jonah's teacher has attempted to curb his voice volume by verbally
    prompting him and using gestures. However, these strategies have not worked. Jonah's
    speech and language pathologist (SLP) suggested creating a 5-point scale. The SLP
    and second-grade teacher designed the scale using "big" and "little" as comparisons for
    volume. They developed a list of concrete behaviors representing each number of the
    scale so that Jonah could understand how to rate his volume level and when or where
    to use each volume level.

    Case Study: Jonah Example

    1 = no words, sounds, noise out of my mouth (when adults say I should be totally
    quiet; when walking in the hallways at school)
    2 = little voice ... also called very quiet voice (when I am in the library, at church, or
    working in a group)
    3 = normal voice ... also called inside voice (when I am in the cafeteria, answering
    questions, or talking to the teacher or my friends)

    4 = loud voice (when I am on the playground or at my brother's football game)


    5 = very loud voice...also called screaming (when I am hurt and need help)

    Case Study: Jonah Conclusion


    Jonah's SLP made a 5-point scale for all the adults who came into contact with Jonah
    during the school day. When Jonah was too loud, the adult would simply take out the
    scale and point to the volume that was appropriate for the activity in which he was
    participating.
    Jonah initially became very upset when the staff took out the scale and pointed to a
    number. He frequently screamed at the adult and tells him/her, "I'm at 3. Stop pointing to
    3." Remaining quiet and calm, the adult continued to point to the appropriate number
    until Jonah's volume adjusted. Within a few days of incorporating the scale, Jonah
    began responding positively, and he became more aware of his voice volume.

    Using the 5-Point Scale


    The Incredible 5-Point Scale can provide support at school, home, work or in the
    community. It can be used to address disruptive behaviors, feelings, voice volume, body
    awareness, leisure skills, peer interactions, and many other social issues. For
    individuals who are unable to recognize numbers, the Incredible 5-Point Scale can be
    created with colors and pictures representing the different ratings on the scale. For
    others, the numbers one through five can be used. While the number "5" can represent
    the most positive behavior or situation, it can also signify when the individual has the
    least amount of control of his/her behavior. Regardless of the design, the scale provides
    a visual breakdown of a problem behavior, the look and/or feel of the behavior, and
    appropriate responses or ways to cope at each level.
    An adult or peer can point to a specific number on the scale to show the individual
    where they happen to be on the scale, such as in the example of Carson. If he is at a
    #5, the adult or peer could slide their fingers down the scale to a #1 showing Carson
    where his hands need to be. As with most interventions, repetition and consistency in
    use across settings will help the individual with ASD internalize the more appropriate
    behavioral choice.

    Case Study: Carson

    Carson Thomas is a freshman in high school diagnosed with autism. Recently, his peers
    have seen him in the hallways and in class touching girls in inappropriate places on
    their bodies. Two of his neurotypical peers who have taken an interest in Carson felt
    that the behavior needed to be addressed by adults in the school. They believed that his
    female peers were becoming uncomfortable around him and beginning to shy away
    from him as they are afraid of him touching them.
    Carson's special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, and school
    psychologist, along with his mother, sat down with Carson to discuss the issue. The
    team decided that Carson was attempting to communicate to the girls that he liked
    them. The speech and language pathologist recommended that the team write a social
    narrative, a story that described what was appropriate and not appropriate in terms of
    touching girls.
    The narrative included ideas such as types of touching (high-fives, friendly hugs,
    kisses), when and where certain types of touching are appropriate and when they are
    not, and who is the recipient of certain types of touches. The narrative was written
    specifically for Carson and his peers. The social narrative was to be used initially to
    teach/clarify touching rules. The team, including Carson, also created a 5-Point Scale
    addressing what kinds of touching are appropriate and where and when it is appropriate
    to touch females.

    Other Suggestions for Using the 5-Point


    Scale
    The Incredible 5-Point Scale can be applied prior to, during, or after an event or
    situation. As a proactive behavioral support, it can be employed prior to an event to

    remind an individual of behavior that is and is not acceptable for the event. During a
    situation, the support can provide a visual reminder of the individual's behavior at that
    specific point in time. Finally, after a situation, it can serve as an evaluation tool.
    This intervention is not just for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It can be
    used for individuals with and without disabilities. As reported by Buron and Curtis
    (2003), beyond ASD the Incredible 5-Point Scale has proven effective with individuals
    with diagnoses other than ASD, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
    obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette Syndrome.

    Case Study: Lilly


    Lilly is 19 years old and diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. She works at the local
    coffee shop. She loves coffee and learning how to create new coffee drinks. Lilly works
    the same shift every day and has established a good working relationship with the other
    employees. Her favorite part of the job is making the drinks. Recently, a new employee
    started. The employee was not familiar with all the recipes and, as a result, made some
    mistakes. Lilly had a very difficult time understanding why she was making so many
    mistakes and yelled at her in front of customers. She not only yelled at her, she
    snatched the steamers from her hands and refused to allow her to make any more
    drinks.
    Lilly's manager, Jill, values Lilly as an employee and sees what great work she does.
    However, she also recognizes that Lilly cannot treat fellow employees with disrespect
    nor react harshly toward employees in front of customers. Jill contacted Lilly's job coach
    to discuss ways to intervene when similar situations arise in the future. Tony, Lilly's job
    coach, shared with Jill ideas on how to create the Incredible 5-Point Scale specific to
    Lilly's needs.

    Case Study: Lilly Example

    The following day, Jill met with Lilly after work to design a scale. They talked about how
    Jill feels when people make mistakes and how she responds. They agreed on the
    following:
    Jill shared the scale with Lilly's coworkers, with her permission, so that they could
    support Lilly in using the scale. Lilly also agreed to the scale being posted behind the
    counter as a visual/behavioral support.
    Over the next several days, the new employee made mistakes, however, Lilly was able
    to manage her behavior with the support of the scale.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


    Q: What is important to keep in mind when creating a scale?
    A: If at all possible, include the individual who will be using the scale when designing
    the scale. Take into consideration the person's cognitive and academic skills.
    Q: Who benefits from using the Incredible 5-Point Scale?
    A: Anyone who has problems with social competence and understanding how their
    behavior impacts themselves and others can benefit from the Incredible 5-Point Scale.
    Q: What materials do I need to create a scale?
    A: Some scales have been created simply with a piece of paper and a set of crayons.
    Other scales have been designed using computer programs such as Word.
    Construction paper, file folders, markers, and so on, may also be used to create a scale.
    Q: Can this behavioral support be used with individuals of all ages?
    A: Yes! The tool has been used with children as young as preschool age to adults.

    Q: Who can create an Incredible 5-Point Scale?


    A: A parent, teacher, therapist, employer, friend, administrator, and so on, can create an
    Incredible 5-Point Scale. Basically, anyone working with an individual with social
    difficulties can create a scale. Again, if possible, include the individual for which the
    scale is created in the designing of it.

    Summary
    Individuals without disabilities or those with ASD or other disabilities often lack the social
    competence needed to cope in difficult situations. The Incredible 5-Point Scale is a
    behavioral support that breaks down behaviors and social interactions into clear, visual,
    and tangible pieces so that individuals can learn appropriate ways to respond and
    interact in difficult situations. A scale can be created using colors, pictures, or a rating
    system of 1 to 5.
    For further information on this strategy, please see the "citation and references" section
    of this module, or visit: www.5pointscale.com.

    Discussion Questions
    [ Export PDF with Answers | Export PDF without Answers ]

    1. Describe an individual with ASD whom you believe would


    benefit from using the Incredible 5-Point Scale and why.
    A correct answer could include the following: student having difficulty with
    volume control; meltdowns; difficulty with appropriate touching; struggling with
    understanding own feelings; anxiety issues.

    2. What are different ways that the Incredible 5-Point Scale


    can be designed for individuals with different ability levels?
    A correct answer could include: design using colors only as representation of
    each level; design using colors and numbers representing each level.

    3. How might the Incredible 5-Point Scale be used for a group


    of individuals?
    A correct answer could include: using a scale for a social skills group where
    the members of the group rate how they feel about the topic of discussion.

    4. Think of one individual you know that is having difficulties


    with a social or behavioral issue. Brainstorm solutions
    using the Incredible 5-Point Scale
    This discussion question is open-ended and answers will vary greatly based
    on the individual needs of the students.

    Post-Assessment
    Post-Assessment
    The Incredible 5-Point Scale is a visual support that rates social concepts and social
    behaviors.
    Select an answer for question 127

    The Incredible 5-Point Scale may be used with students who cannot yet identify
    numbers.
    Select an answer for question 128

    The Incredible 5-Point Scale can be used positively with students who have:
    Select an answer for question 129

    The Incredible 5-Point Scale breaks behaviors down into five sublevels.
    Select an answer for question 130

    5 is always seen as positive and the most appropriate representation of a behavior or


    concept.
    Select an answer for question 131

    The Incredible 5-Point Scale is used specifically as a 1:1 teaching tool.


    Select an answer for question 132

    The Incredible 5-Point Scale can be used

    Select an answer for question 133

    Ideally, the numbers/colors on the Incredible 5-Point Scale should be defined by the
    student.
    Select an answer for question 134

    Citation and References


    If included in presentations or publications, credit should be given to the authors of this
    module. Please use the citation below to reference this content.
    Coffin, A. B., & Smith, S. M. (2009). The Incredible 5-Point Scale (Columbus: Ohio
    Center for Autism and Low Incidence). In Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence
    (OCALI), Autism Internet Modules, www.autisminternetmodules.org. Columbus, OH:
    OCALI.

    REFERENCE
    Buron, K. D., & Curtis, M. (2003). The 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.

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