Structure

Most children thrive on structure. This is also true for kids with special needs. Stress and fear can be dramatically reduced when there are tools in place that create repetition and predictability. The first thing I did to create a feeling of order for my son was to give him a working schedule.

A "working schedule" refers to a schedule that can be changed from day to day. The first thing I did was lay out my design. My child can only handle about four different activities a day. I also created a space for a changeable reinforcer (or reward) that he can work toward every day.



Next I placed a card for the day of the week. This helps my son not only learn the days of the week, but see that the schedule changes according to the days.



Lastly, I give my son a star (or a token) for each accomplished activity. When all the spaces for tokens are filled up, he gets the reinforcer that he has been working for.



I place this schedule on a wall in a place that he walks by frequently. The schedule makes it easier for me to deal with behavior problems. When my son cries or is upset because he doesn't want to finish the activity, I show him the schedule and remind him what he is working for. Although it works like a charm most days, it's not always easy. There are some days he loves his schedule because he really wants the reinforcer. Other days things are difficult and he wants everything on the schedule to go away. On those days I often find him stuffing his schedule under the sofa. That's okay, at least he's communicating how he's feeling!

Note: a schedule and a reinforcer/reward of some kind works really well to keep typical kids motivated too. Modify the schedule board according to the ability level of your child.