Project Mapping

For many people with autism, challenges with executive

functioning make it difficult to complete “projects.” It can
be overwhelming for a student when they cannot determine
how to get started, or the necessary steps to complete a
project. Project Mapping is a strategy developed by Sheri
Wilkins and Carol Burmeister that can help with these
challenges.

Three key ideas regarding Project Mapping:

Adds Visual Support Organizes Time Provides Structure

Check out this video

for a quick
explanation of Project
Mapping

How to successfully support Project Mapping?

take one step
gradual reinforce ensure steps
do the task analysis at a time check-in Project
release of completion = student's
with the student (prompt as often Completion
responsibility of each step skills
necessary)

Questions to Consider

1 Define Project Identify what the finished project will be. Put the due date at the bottom of the sticky note.

2 Task Analysis Brainstorm steps (task analysis is an evidence-based practice). Write each step on a sticky note.

3 Sequence
Place the sticky notes in the order in which they need to be completed.
Steps

4 Assign Dates Use a calendar to assign dates for each step.

5 Write Due
Dates
Write the due dates for each step on each sticky note.

Place the sticky notes in order under the “Not yet started” column of the project map. Start the project,
6 Add Steps to
Project Map one step at a time, with the steps that need to be done first.

7 Note Progress Move the tasks that have been started to the middle “In progress” column.

As each task is completed, move it to the “finished” column to the right. The goal is to move each sticky
8
Complete
Progress note to the right column on the project map by the project due date.