The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

He isn’t paying attention. She won’t follow directions. They aren’t completing their work. Are they not complying because they are bad kids? Or are their reasons why they can’t comply? Even though it seems as if the problem is in them, the solution is usually us: changing something in ourselves, the environment, curriculum, and/or teaching the behavior that we would like the student to have. He isn't paying attention. She won't follow directions. They aren't completing their work. Are they not complying because they are bad kids? Or are there reasons why they can't comply? We can sometimes find someone or something to blame or we can give it a disability name, but that doesn't solve the problem. Even though it seems as if the problem is in them, the solution is usually us changing something in ourselves, the environment, curriculum, and/or teaching the behavior that we would like the student to have.

Some of the strategies that we will consider and present examples of are:

Using one to one instruction and/or Discrete Trial Training to teach attention to task, compliance and understanding that learning can be a positive experience.

Making the rules and expectations clear and visual

Getting their body and sensory system to optimum readiness for learning. Teaching students to self regulate their energy and attention with programs such as How does your Engine run?

Finding the right motivator and creating a motivation system for students who do not readily respond to traditional reinforcement systems.

Finding the right materials and learning style for students who don't learn in traditional ways.

Teaching students the connection between their actions & the consequences through visual explanations and reminders.

Teaching students to self manage and reward themselves for self control and achievement.

Providing choices throughout the school day so that students feel in control of some aspects of their experience.

Providing good adult models of the behavior that we would like them to demonstrate.

Providing peer support for appropriate behavior.

Whether students can't or won't, we must look for positive supports that teach and encourage. When we use such supports, we are more likely to have success with difficult students and our day will be less frustrating.

Content Area: Behavior Issues and Supports