How do I get my child through new situations? Great question but it all depends on the child. I will list a few strategies to try. There is a lot of trial and error. Cognitively inflexible children rarely want to try something new. Some children are inflexible in one area but not in another. He may hate trying a new restaurant but exposure to a new video game is no problem at all! A cognitively inflexible child needs exposure to new things to expand his narrow thinking and interests. Without this exposure he won't find anything that he likes. It is a way to show him that there are things that are not highly preferred but are ok. This child knows preferred and no preferred. He often doesn't understand something that falls in the middle.
STRATEGIES
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
- Use a first...then Strategy. If he does the new thing without upset, then a preferred activity will follow.
- If waiting is involved, have a plan and communicate it in advance. (Bringing along some technology, a card game or fidget(sensory kit).
- Use a timer.
- Bring visual supports for routine, making choices and behavior.
- Go over the new thing ahead of time. Talk through: what will happen, any choices that will need to be made during event, expected behavior, incentives to be earned.
- Write or find a social story for that situation and read it often before the event.
- Communicate as much as you can about this new thing. Tell about where it is? How long will we be there? How else will be there? Who will be with him? Who can assist him? Where are the bathrooms at the event? What happens if they change the schedule? Anything you can think of that will help your child predict what will happen is likely to lower anxiety.
Next week we'll look a a process to accomplish these strategies. I would love to hear other ideas that have been successful?
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