Nonverbal Supports: Together with the student, develop inconspicuous,
nonverbal messages such as eye contact, hand gestures, or other signals that teach
students to recognize the conditions that trigger specific behaviors. Once the
system is developed, students can learn to manage their behavioral responses
before they occur.
For example, creating a signal and routine for “taking a five minute
break” at a specified classroom location provides an opportunity for the
student to recognize when he is becoming restless or frustrated and prevents
behavior from escalating. This system is most effective if used before the
behavior escalates or intensifies.