Self-regulation topics:
Problem-solving
When your child is dealing with a problem, whether it’s between peers or just part of daily life, once the child is calm, it’s a great opportunity to review the scenario so the child can learn what to do in the future! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to break down the problem:
- Review the problem
- Identify what the problem is
- Rate how big the problem is
- Think of 3 solutions that may help solve the problem
- Predict what may happen if I try any of these solutions
- Choose which solution is best for this problem!
Transitioning
It can be difficult for children with autism to transition from activity to activity or place to place. Here are some ideas you can implement to help your child with transitioning!
- Arrange activities in the order of non-preferred to preferred. This will help the child transition because the next activity is reinforcing!
- Give a 2-5 minute “change” warning before the expected transition. Using a visual timer is great!
- Use “first” and “then” statements.
- Practice transitions when you’re not rushing to work or to drop off the kiddies at school!
- Don’t forget to compliment when your child transitions right away!
Waiting for attention or access to wanted object
Waiting itself is a skill! Knowing what to do with downtime can be a struggle for children with autism. Here are some ideas you can put on a schedule or to give as choices for the child when waiting:
- listen or watch others
- Read a book
- Listen to music
- Relax
- Think good thoughts
- Talk to a friend or sibling
