In the course of Phase 7 - Complete the Discrepancy Analysis, the team watched Nick attempt all 38 steps needed to shop for taco shells. They noted which steps Nick could not do without help and then proceeded on to Phase 8.

In Phase 8 - Determine Supports to Address Discrepant Steps, the team looked at each discrepant step and considered how best to assist Nick. They used a set of five questions to help reflect on the possible options:

1. Is this a step that Nick could and should learn to do?

2. Is this a step that Nick could do if it were changed?

3. Is this a step that Nick could do if he used an adaptation?

4. Is this a step that Nick could skip and still complete the activity?

5. Is this a step that can't be learned, changed, adapted, or skipped and so must be done for Nick by someone else?

STEP #4. Remove one basket and hold by handles in one hand.

DISCREPANCY: Nick can't lift out the basket out of the stack or keep the two handles together.

SOLUTION: Mom helps Nick place a small Velcro strap around handles and holds down the stack when he lifts.

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STEP #12. Stop in front of Mexican food section.

DISCREPANCY: Nick can't remember what aisle to go to for taco shells.

SOLUTION: Nick wears a cuff on his left forearm to hold symbol prompts and Mom points and gestures where Nick should look to compare his symbols.

STEP #13. Turn to face the shelves displaying packages of taco shells.

DISCREPANCY: Nick goes past the Mexican food while walking up aisle #8.

SOLUTION: Mom gestures toward the Mexican food as Nick approaches.

STEP #14. Visually locate specific Taco Bell brand package on shelf.

DISCREPANCY: Nick can't remember which brand of taco shells he's buying.

SOLUTION: Mom gestures toward the area where Nick should look as he compares a picture symbol on his cuff and empty box on the bottom of his basket to his package.

STEP #17. Place package in the shopping basket held by handles in other hand.

DISCREPANCY: Nick doesn't have a free hand to place the package in the basket.

SOLUTION: Nick sets the basket down on the floor. The Velcro strap keeps the handles together so he can pick the basket up again.

STEP #26. Get out wallet and remove money inside or take out of pocket.

DISCREPANCY: Nick needs help getting his wallet out of the fanny pack and the money out of the wallet.

SOLUTION: Mom helps Nick get out his wallet before he gets in line so he can place it in the basket on top of the box of taco shells.

STEP #29. Respond to greeting from cashier.

STEP #30. Respond to "Paper or plastic?" question from cashier.

STEP #32. Listen as cashier says the amount owed.

STEP #33. Hand money to cashier.

DISCREPANCIES: Nick is unable to hear the cashier or respond verbally to questions.

SOLUTION: The wallet has instructions for the cashier on the outside where they can be seen when the basket is emptied.

The team uses a combination of teaching skills, changing steps and creating adaptations to assist Nick. When Nick still needs help, Mom will either lend a hand or do the step for him. The team is now ready to proceed on to Phase 9 - Develop a Travel Plan.

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