Who benefits from the wristband/keychain and charm portable visual cuing system?
		Why do we need charms on a band?
		Why are visual supports so important?
		How do the charms fit on the band?
		What if the child does not want or cannot wear a band on his/her wrist?
		Why are there two different band colors?
		Does this band/charm system only have to be used for children with Autism spectrum disorder?
		What are some of the benefits of repetition, structure, and rewards?
		Tell me more about the bands.
		Tell me more about the charms.

Who benefits from the wristband/charm Portable Visual Cuing System?

	Children who have characteristics and/or diagnosis within the Autism spectrum will benefit because of the visual learning style and language disorder needs.
	Caregivers who need to carry over skills learned in school and therapy to the home environment.
	Caregivers who want to shape their child’s behavior in order to spend less time in the house and more time out in the community.
	Educators who want to reduce outbursts or “shutdowns” (associated with sensory integration difficulties) in order to maximize task performance and learning opportunities.
	Any child, caregiver and/or educator who wants to capitalize on the child’s learning skills and to accommodate the child’s sensory and language needs.
	Anyone who wants a visual support system that is very easy to transport around the home, community,  school settings.

Why do we need charms on a band?

	Unlike the traditional posted schedule strip that is typically hung on a classroom wall, the band/charm system can travel across school settings (ie. classroom, cafeteria, play ground, etc.).
	The band, when worn on the wrist or attached to a belt loop/backpack/wheelchair/walker/lunchbox (via key chain version), places the charms within the child’s visual field.
	The caregivers and educators do not need to transport long poster strips of cue cards wherever they go.
	Caregivers and educators do not need to have access to computer programs to print out visual support cards, nor do they need to cut out/laminate/Velcro each card.  They can just attach the desired charms to the band!
	The small charms and bands are much less bulky than the supplies needed to make schedules, reward systems.
	The band and charms are incredibly fashionable and functional!  This system draws less unwanted attention from others ie. compared to a vest with cards attached to it.  (Although we do appreciate any attempts to provide children with the necessary visual cues.)

Why are visual supports so important?

	They are an environmental cues that we can see which help improve  organization, communication and social/environmental interaction.
	Some examples of visual supports include:  calendars; Palm Pilots; Post-it notes; grocery lists; etc.  The general population uses visual supports and now we are offering a system to help those whose function relies heavily on visual learning.
	Children with Autism spectrum disorder need consistent structure, repetition and rewards in order to habituate to external (and internal) stimuli so that they may  replace undesirable behavior with more socially  acceptable behavior.
	Visual supports can be used by family, friends, educators, therapy personnel, sitters…to name a few.  By consistently presenting the child with the cues, other people besides the primary caregiver may care for the child.  This means there is potential for respite for the primary caregiver!

How do the charms fit on the band?

	When you stretch the band (to pull it thin) you are able to slide the band into the charm.
	You may attach the charms to the band whether or not the band is on the child’s wrist (pending the child’s sensitivity to touch).
	Click here to watch a video to see how it works.

What if the child cannot or does not want to wear a band on his/her wrist?

	We offer the key chain version that can clip onto other surfaces.
	You may consider gradually increasing the child’s tolerance to wearing the wrist band.

Why are there two different band colors?

	We use the yellow band for schedules/tasks/activity charms and the green band for the star/reward charms.
	We use yellow bands because a yellow background with a black/dark foreground provides optimal contrast and clarity.
	We use green bands because green is known to have a calming effect.  Also, it represents “Go!” (as in Go and get your well deserved reward!).

Does this band/charm system only have to be used for children with Autism spectrum disorder?

	No.  Anyone may use this very fashionable tool…for fun or function!
	We are just focused on this population because they do benefit from visual supports.

What are some of the benefits of repetition, structure, and rewards?

	Potential for reduction in tantrum/outbursts (frequency, duration and intensity).
	Potential for reduction in “shutdowns.”
	Potential for improved expressive and receptive language
	Potential for improved sensory modulation.
	Potential for improved attention to task and thus improved learning.
	Potential for improved socially acceptable behavior.

Tell me more about the bands.

	They are made of the highest quality silicone-the exact same quality as the popular “Livestrong” wristbands.
	They come in a child size and an adult size.
	There is also a key chain version that can be clipped to a belt loop, backpack, etc.

Tell me more about the charms.

	The one piece charms have a flat surface for showing the graphic/icon and an open-ended “wrap around” type of design to allow the band to be slid into the back of the charm.  (Just pull the band to make the band thinner and then slide it into the charm.)
	Once the charm is clipped onto the band, it will not slide or fall off…unless you slide it or remove it.
	The charms need to be stored on the wristband or in a container. (Please keep the charms out of reach of children/pets who are at risk for choking).
	To remove the charm, simply pull/stretch the wristband to be thinner and then slide the band out of the charm.
	You can choose to apply and/or remove the charms with the wristband either on or off of the child’s wrist.  (We recommend that charms be used for cuing and rewarding.  We want to associate this system with positive experiences!)
	When there is a change in the child’s schedule, we recommend alerting the child to the change…you may want to place a colored piece of masking tape between two of the charms.  (As our production line expands we plan to have a “change in schedule” charm design.).