I stumbled upon a website today about international road signs. It makes sense that there are universal conventions for conveying information to people driving. These conventions must transcend language, since many countries have different languages from state to state, as well as high volumes of tourists speaking different languages. And while of course there will be regional differences (Speedo check?), these signs are able to convey information that is instantly recognizable to the vast majority of the population.

I often think about the culture of autism, and how to translate neurotypical ways of learning into a way that individuals with autism can easily understand. And that is what I did for today’s free autism resource: Safety Signs for Behavior. To use these, just cut them out and adhere them with the sign on the front and matching description on the back. Laminate for durability. Then connect them with a ring or other binder and begin to create scenarios to teach your students the meaning behind each sign. For example, use the “Stop” sign everytime you cross the street. Or use the “Yield” sign when waiting in line at a store. As students begin to understand the signs, they will serve as a great visual cue to help understand rules and expectations.