Teaching Autistic Students: Traffic Signs Lesson Plan

If possible, you can take him to an area that you know has several common street signs (e.g., a stop sign, a railroad crossing sign, a “walk” or “don’t walk” sign) and have him stand by the sign, feel it, and watch what the cars do when they pass the sign. Then drive your car past the sign as well and ask your child to explain to you how you should react when you reach the sign. Repeat this over several days and weeks, and your child will become fluent in understanding traffic signs.

You can also make homemade signs with your child. Look at a picture of the sign in a book or encyclopedia, and help your child to make a copy of the sign using posterboard, construction paper, and other art supplies. Use dowels (available at home improvement stores) to hold up each sign. Then take the signs outside and have the child ride her bike past the sign, acting appropriately as she nears it. For example, you might remind her to stop at the stop sign, or to slow down when she sees the appropriate sign.

Some autistic kids love playing with toy vehicles. You can tap into this interest by buying miniature traffic signs that can be used with toy cars, trucks, or trains. Show your child the signs and model how the cars need to respond as they approach each sign. Then allow your child to place the signs wherever they’d like, and to move their vehicles the same way that real vehicles would move around the signs. Using this method, your child can be the traffic director!

When teaching your autistic child traffic signs, remember that it is most important that she understand how to act around traffic signs that apply to her. If there are certain traffic signs outside her school or home, specifically those that refer to pedestrians, make sure to include those in your modeling and discussions. In addition, make sure to point out traffic signs often as you drive with your child. This will give your child built-in opportunities to practice her new skills.