The Ziggurat Model
The Ziggurat Model (Aspy & Grossman, 2007) provides a process and framework for designing
individualised, comprehensive intervention plans for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
of any age. It is a hierarchical structure, building from the foundation in order, and is designed to
address the true needs and deficits in social, emotional and behavioural concerns.
The Ziggurat Model begins with identifying a student’s unique needs and individual strengths across
each of the five levels, then directly linking these to effective interventions and addressing them in
order (Myles, Grossman, Aspy, Henry & Coffin, 2007).
What does the research say?
The Ziggurat Model has evolved from a cumulative understanding of ASD, based on the work of
Kanner and Asperger from the 1940s. It outlines evidence-based interventions in each of the five
levels of the Ziggurat. The Ziggurat Model emphasizes scientifically-based research approaches and
has a focus on response to intervention and positive behaviour intervention and supports.
Practical strategy suggested for use in the school context :
Each individual with ASD has unique skills, challenges and characteristics that need to be identified
and addressed to be able to design an effective comprehensive intervention plan.
The Ziggurat Model has three main components:
1. Underlying Characteristics Checklist (UCC)
The UCC is an informal assessment tool that identifies characteristics across eight domains: Social;
Restricted Patterns of Behaviour, Interests, and Activities; Communication; Sensory Differences;
Cognitive Differences; Motor Differences; Emotional Vulnerability; and Known Medical or Other
Biological Factors.
Autism Education Service, September, 2015
Early Intervention
Classic
High-Functioning
2. Individual Strengths and Skills Inventory (ISSI)
The ISSI is designed to identify an individual’s strengths and skills in
the same eight domains as outlined in the UCC (see above). These
strengths and interests should be identified by multiple stakeholders
(including parents, teachers, therapists, psychologist, etc.) and
embedded into the intervention design to maximise effectiveness.
3. Ziggurat Worksheet
The Ziggurat Worksheet incorporates the five levels of the Ziggurat
Model (Sensory and Biological; Reinforcement; Structure and
Visual/Tactile Supports; Task Demands; and Skills to Teach). The key
content from the UCC is prioritised and placed into the Ziggurat
Worksheet in the appropriate level and information from the ISSI used
to determine the most effective intervention strategies.
Summary of Key Information
1. The Ziggurat Model is a comprehensive individualised planning framework for students with ASD.
2. A student’s unique strengths and needs should be identified in each level and directly linked to
effective intervention strategies (UCC & ISSI).
3. Each level impacts the others, so they need to be addressed in order, starting with the foundation
‘Sensory and Biological’.
Autism Education Service, September, 2015
UCC & ISSI Ziggurat Worksheet CAPS Once the Ziggurat Worksheet is completed, a Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) can be developed to operationalize a
student’s day (see CAPS Factsheet). The Ziggurat Model can be used alone or in combination with the CAPS.
References
Aspy, R. & Grossman, B. (2007). The Ziggurat model: A framework for designing comprehensive
interventions for individuals with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. Shawnee Mission,
KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.
Aspy, R., & Grossman, B. G. (2011). The Ziggurat Model: Designing comprehensive interventions for
high-functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger
Publishing Company.
Myles, B., Grossman, B., Aspy, R., Henry, S., & Coffin, A. (2007). Planning a comprehensive program
for students with autism spectrum disorders using evidence-based practices. Education & Training
in Developmental Disabilities, 42(4), 398-409.
Autism Education Service, September, 2015