header image

header image

Thursday, January 16, 2014

5 Point Scales



*The Incredible 5 Point Scale is used to assist students in becoming aware of their emotions, such as anger or pain, and the stage or level of the emotion. The scale can be used with a variety of students but can be particularly affective for students with Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorder. One to one instruction is suggested as the best way to introduce this strategy. Using the scale, the student rates his emotions or status of a condition or state. Possible areas of focus may include: anger, worry, anxiety, voice level, body space, etc. This then allows the student to (a) provide information to the teacher about how he is feeling, (b) become more effective in managing his thinking process, and (c) implement the desired behavior as a proactive approach. Giving a number instead of trying to describe or name an emotion helps students think efficiently in order to make good decisions in a variety of situations.



Authors Buron and Curtis (2003) suggest pairing the scale with a story or narrative to provide additional information about using the scale.


The following steps may be used when implementing a 5Point Scale with a student

1. Choose the target behavior. Any kind of behavior or status can be a target behavior if rating the level or status
of the behavior enhances adaptability. Anxiety or other feeling that usually result in problem behaviors
may also be also targeted for rating.

2. Decide on the content for each scale point associated with the target behavior. In the Incredible 5 Point Scale,
each of the 5 stages represents the level or magnitude Of the target behavior.

3. Develop a story or visual cue for the story if necessary. The story or visual cue should be developed carefully
based on the student’s interest or level of understanding. It should explain how the scale is to be used.

4. Introduce the scale to the student. To use the scale successfully the student must learn how to discriminate
and identify each stage

5. Practice the scale with the student, revising it if necessary. Peers who understand the student can support her
as she practices the appropriate behavior or interaction by using the scale. Adults, including Parents,
Teachers, or other, in the setting, can help by using the scale with the student in various situations.
 

*Buron, K. D., & Curtis, M. (2003). The incredible 5‐point scale: Assisting students with autism spectrum disorders in understanding social interactions and controlling their emotions responses. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

Samples to print/save: