A major obstacle in math for many students with special needs is carrying in addition problems. Below is a task analysis approach.
First, I target the step of identifying the ONES and TENS place in the 2 digit sum in the ONES column (below it is 12). In a scaffolded handout I create a box to for the sum with the ONES and TENS separated. At first I give the sum and simply have the student carry the one.
Then I have the student find the sum and write it in the box (14 below). Once mastered I have the student write the sum and carry the 1.
They would have mastered adding single digit numbers before this lesson. I revert back to single digit numbers to allow them to get comfortable with writing the sum off to the side without the scaffolding. (In the example below I modeled this by writing 13.)
The last step is to add the TENS digits with the carried 1. I use Base 10 manipulatives to work through all the steps (larger space on the right is for the manipulatives) and have the student write out each step as it is completed with the manipulatives.
Finally, the student attempts to add without the scaffolding. I continue with color but then fade it.
