Now that you have learned some key concepts and types of choices to use. Here is the order I'd suggest you teach choices. of course, each individual is different. This is a path to help the student start by being successful.
***Quick note: We demonstrate a number of one on one situations so you can focus on the student. We know in group situation it may look a bit different. When a child will sit or stay in a general area, place them close to the individual who will be giving the student the choices to pick from***
General Steps to Teach Choices
TO BEGAN: Teach the student how to (point to/touch, look at, etc) pick an option by modeling. You can A) tell them what to do and B) physically help them do it so they understand what to do and can coordinate the motor planning to pick. Some individuals can't watch and copy and some over copy. By physically showing them how, you help take care of both struggles.
STAGE 1 (see stage 3 if the student is calm and easily picks): The first time(s), the student has to desensitize or get use to participating. For students that are anxious or brand new to you, start with one option. (One object, one picture, or one word to choose from). Teach and when you ask a question hold up the option where the student can easily reach it.
STAGE 2: Give the individual two options to choose from. Keep them both correct so he/she can't get them incorrect OR keep one blank and one correct for the same reason.
STAGE 3: Give the student two options, but add in a right or wrong option.
STAGE 4: When the individual can easily do 2 options, do 3 options. The third option can be something like "something else," "both," or "neither." You can always go back to just 2 options or 1 options if a student is more anxious or less accurate. You can continue to add more options as the individual does well with three options.
References:
Beukelman, D.R., Mirenda, P. (2005). Augmentative & Alternative Communication. Baltimore: Paul H. Brooks Publishing
Mukhopadhyay, S. (2008). Understanding Autism through Rapid Prompting Method. Denver: Outskirts Press, Inc