182 Choice Boards

A choice board is a visual representation of all currently available choices. By providing choices visually, the individual does not have to come up with options on his or her own. The visual choices also help the individual to focus on the appropriate options rather than getting distracted by other options that are either not appropriate or not available. The options on a choice board should not be arranged in a line that the individual may interpret as needing to be completed in an order.  Rather, options should be arranged in a shape or more random order to cue a selection of any option presented in any sequence. Depending upon the individual’s functioning level, a choice may be indicated by physically pointing to the selection, removing the  selected option from the board and giving the card to a caregiver or placing the selection  on a designated space to indicate the choice.

Below are a few examples of places and activities where a choice board can be helpful:

Home/community

• Snack options
• Toy choice

School

• Lunch/snack choices
• Activity choices
• Play options

Work

• Break choices
• Snack options

Medical

• Reward choices
• Break options