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Contingency Maps

Contingency Maps are a behavioral intervention strategy that show a series of consequences based on an initial choice (if this, then that and that...).  Typically 2 responses to a situation are shown and the consequences of each choice. Contingency Maps use both symbols and text to facilitate faster acquisition, and therefore assisting students to make better choices. 

Here is a general example used for the cafeteria. 

The choice shows whether to sit and eat in the cafeteria or walk around and talk loudly. Use this visual prior to going to the cafeteria and review as needed when behaviors may occur. 

Some contingency mays use green and red color code to show right and wrong. Here is a specific example to address "Should I poke eyes?"

While the answer is a solid no, the contingency may shows what happens when you poke eyes. Used as a teaching stratgegy, students can visualize the consequences prior to the behavior. 

Here is our last example of contingency maps to show how students in a class may earn tokens. 

LessonPix makes it easy to create Contingency Maps. When using these visuals, remember these main points: 

  • Teach the visual and how to use it
  • Model using the visual before and during times when behaviors are likely to occur
  • Fade prompts and track data to monitor effectiveness