When it comes to setting the stage for learning, individuals on the Autism Spectrum need to continue their learning experiences even after school. This requires responsibility from therapists, caregivers, and parents. Each must work together to help create a learning environment in the home that continues to provide opportunity to expand the vital skills a child is working on. This includes setting up a home environment, understanding your child’s classroom setup or making suggestions at their after school program.
Here are five goals to focus on when evaluating a school-related learning environment in the home for children with Aspergers or HFA.
1. Increase Engagement:
It’s ok for kids to take a break after school and have some down time, but preventing total shutout is important. Whether it is a play activity or helping with homework, making this part of the routine will assist with expectations that the child will need to interact for an expected amount of time.
2. Increase Communication:
Asking the question “how was your day?” rarely gets the response desired. To get them to chat, incorporate out of the ordinary or silly situations to spark spontaneous requests or comments. (e.g. carrying an umbrella when it isn’t raining or dressing up the dog before your child gets home). Sometimes a child may need a prompt to take note about the change in environment, but that is ok! It increases the opportunity to communicate either way
3. Promote Independence:
Use visual charts to show the steps expected to follow directions without reminders. This is especially useful for morning and bedtime routines. It may take some time to teach the sequence to complete the task. However, using the visual will allow the child to find the solution on their own rather than get in trouble for not completing the task.
4. Create Opportunities for Initiation:
On the flip side of promoting independence, we want our kids to initiate social exchanges with others. This, as we know, is an area of difficulty for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Setting up situations where communication is a must can make a difference by making them more comfortable socially. One way to do this is by putting desired items (like a snack or play toy) out of reach so they have to request help. This sets up the situation so the child has to initiate an exchange with you if their motivation is high enough to really want it!
5. Decrease Challenging Behaviors:
Sometimes challenging behaviors can be decreased by allowing a child to remain in control of their world. This includes offering options—either visually or verbally—between two possible outcomes. This allows the individual to make the final decision. But make sure the options are choices you both would be happy with.
By Megan Kunze, MA, BCBA
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