Benefits for Educators

	Cues are portable across the school setting (via the child’s wrist/backpack/the educator etc)
	the band may be handed off to other educators (ie. Homeroom teacher to the Inclusion classroom teacher)
	the system is subtle and fashionable, which draws less unwanted attention from others
	the child/educator can refer to it frequently
	the close proximity of the band/cues is easier to see (vs. looking at a poster hung on a wall that may be relatively far away)
	there is no need to cut/laminate/Velcro visual cues
	may use the cues to facilitate language development
	cues may be used to teach “cause and effect”

Benefits for Caregivers

	Cues may be referred to in any location around the house (rather than having to find the cues posted in one part of the house)
	cues may be referred to when child/caregiver are outside or somewhere in the neighborhood
	cues may be handed off to a sitter/other caregiver
	no need to cut/laminate/Velcro visual cues (more time to spend with the child/individual)
	cues may be easily transported out into the community (store/restaurant/playground/friend’s and relative’s house/movie theater/place of worship/etc)
	consistent use of cues improves behavior/language/sensory modulation/task transition which may lead to more respite opportunities for the primary caregiver(s)
	may use the cue to facilitate language development
	cues may be used to teach “cause and effect”

Benefits for the Individual

	Beneficial visual cues are easily accessed
	can see that letters combine to make words and words match pictures
	can see that facial expressions (in others) are a way to signal what the other person is feeling
	cues that depict facial expressions may be used to help the individual identify what he/she is feeling
	cues can be frequently referenced to remind of upcoming events/tasks, schedule changes, safety reminders, rewards to anticipate
	cues can be referenced to communicate a need
	cues can be used to remind the person what strategies he/she can use to adapt to environmental stressors (ie. Loud noise)

Benefits for Others (relatives, siblings etc.)

	Cues help the relative/sitter/etc communicate in a way that is familiar to the individual (which is important in the reduction of tantrums and in the improvement of desirable and safe behavior)
	cues are easily portable and fashionable which may increase the chances of the relative/sitter actually using the cues
	visual cues also remind the relative/sitter/etc what is coming up next
	cues/reward symbols can be easily referenced to shape behavior and to communicate needs/information to the individual with autism
	no more cutting/laminating/velcro
	facial expression cues may be referenced in order to help identify what the individual is feeling. Then, appropriate changes can be made and words of reassurance can be spoken
	facial expression cues help the secondary caregiver explain to the individual what someone else is feeling
	safety cues remind the relative/sitter/etc what hazards to anticipate and what cues to use to prevent a dangerous situation
	cues help the secondary caregiver reinforce “cause and effect”