Resource Guide
QUICK STEP and PRE-LEARNING
- A lack of readiness can be a sign that the individual is experiencing high cognitive load and executing functioning challenges.
- Quick Step is used to reduce cognitive load demands.
- 1. Assess if there are factors that increase cognitive load:
- High volume of information.
- Complicated or multiple concepts.
- New information.
- High speed of information.
- Rapid shifts without transition from one topic to another.
- Strong emotional responses to information- “Hot” topics
- Strong emotional responses to the intervention
- 2a. Assess factors associated with the individual’s pre-existing challenges like an intellectual disability, mental health diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder, or communication difficulties.
- 2b. Assess the individual’s current functioning during instruction.
- 3. Make adjustments such as:
- Using simple language.
- Presenting information slowly and clearly.
- Use visual aids.
- Use simple gestures (Thumbs-up and Thumbs-down).
- Going step-by-step and presenting one concept at a time.
- Engaging with “cool” versus “hot” topics/activities.
- Repeating concepts.
- Breaking concepts down into chunks.
- Orient to transitions.
- Model and demonstrate the skill.
- Practice the skill in real-life context.
- Create a stronger rapport and 2-Way Street communication:
- Use Validation Strategies:
- Read about Validation in the 1st Edition 2016 manual- pp. 183-184
- Read about Validation in the 2nd Edition 2026 manual- pp. 79-81
- E-Learning Course 2- Lessons 2a, 2b, and 2c.
- Orient to the benefits of learning skills and the costs of not learning skills.
- Use Pre-Learning teaching resources:
- Read about Pre-Learning in the 2nd Edition 2026 manual- pp. 104-105
- 2nd Edition Workbook Worked Examples and Worksheets
- Choose the best version for the individual: Elementary School worked examples (online resource) High School worked examples (online resource) and/or the Adult version (Workbook)
- Getting to Know Me- pp. 5-6
- Getting to Know My Feelings- pp. 8-9
- My Old-Me and My New-Me- pp 9-10
- My Goals- pp. 11-12
- Exploring My Goals- p. 14
- Exploring Target to Reach My Goals- pp. 15-16
- Sort goal cards: On the 2-Day Instructor’s Training page on the E-Learning dashboard.
