Tuesday Tip – Child obsessed with an object

If a child is obsessed with an object, remove it from his sight.
That is the best way to handle a “problem object,” especially if it
affects the quality of life.

One more step is to think about why he was so obsessed with that
object.  What purpose did it accomplish?  What need did it meet?
What qualities about that object created the obsession?

Answering a few question may help avoid future obsessions.

Analyzing the situation can lead to finding objects or activities that meet needs better.

For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com

Tuesday Tip – Learned Responses

As students react to specific significant events, they may repeat that same behavior or response every time the memory of that event is repeated.  This can be particularly obvious when they react strongly to something that they perceive as frightening or highly undesirable.  Even though the surrounding factors may change, they may still react strongly every time that event is triggered.  Example:  Several years ago I saw a dog that frightened me enough that I cried.  Now I cry every time I see a dog.

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Tuesday Tip – Pictures

Use pictures to communicate rules.  The best communication tool is
a picture with the words written on it that are the words you say
when communicating that rule.  Even if a student can read, pictures
are easier to recognize, especially when things are not going well
or if the student is upset.

For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com

Tuesday Tip – Communication Breakdowns

Communication difficulties can be a primary reason for many behavior problems.  It is critical to remember that communication is more than just speech.

These students can experience significant difficulty effectively expressing themselves.  Whether they are verbal or non-verbal, the strategies these students use to get their wants and needs met and to interact socially with others may not work efficiently.  Inappropriate behaviors may actually work more effectively for a student than other forms of communication.

Understanding why communication problems exist and where communication breakdowns contribute to behavior difficulties is a significant step toward developing successful solutions.

For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com