Behavior Basics #2 New is Often Non- Preferred

Have you ever noticed that anything new is often non-preferred ?If you said amen under your breath or out loud, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  If you have a child that avoids trying anything new, what are you to do?

Recognize that new is non- preferred.   You may need to use a first…then strategy.  If your child tries something new then he may  have access to or do something that is highly preferred.  The only way to get that highly preferred activity is to do the new activity.  It may be helpful to visualize it with pictures on a first…. then chart.  If your child can get the preferred item any other way, he isn’t likely to try a new thing.  By isolating the preferred item, it may coax your child to try something new.

Gently encourage your child to expand his interests.  If he doesn't expand his interests, he is likely to become very fixated on a few things.  It will take a lot of work to help your child be willing to try new things. 

Though it’s hard, it will be very worth the effort.