Even though your child might not be able to articulate what they’re feeling, they still need to know that you understand. No matter how angry or frustrated you are, just remember: Your child is going through something and it’s important that they know you support them. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and respond to the situation, rather than react. Tell them, I can see how hard it is for you. I know it hurts right now but we can get through this together.
All children can perform a variety of challenging behaviors. If you’re not prepared to handle these behaviors, raising a child can feel like an uphill battle. Realistic expectations are important here: while your child will likely make progress over time, it’s important to remember that some of these behaviors may never go away entirely. Using ABA therapy can help you and your child determine what reasonable expectations are and how to create an environment that promotes safe learning.
In order to increase a behavior, we want to provide immediate reinforcement to motivate the child to perform that target behavior again. This can be as simple as a “Good job!” or a trip to their favorite ice cream place. People are motivated to perform behaviors that bring about a preferred consequence. Acknowledging progress is one of many things’ parents can do to help support their children.
Consistency is one of the biggest tools parents have to help their kids cope with challenging behaviors. Many children find comfort in knowing what’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, and how it’s going to happen. For that reason, establishing a consistent routine helps them handle situations such as mealtime and bedtime better than if things were more fluid or random.
While you can’t always predict when and how challenging behaviors will occur, you can do your best to reduce their frequency by engaging with your child. Try scheduling fun outings or engaging with them in a favorite hobby, like arts and crafts or playing a game. This is also a great time to connect one-on-one by asking them about their day or talking about interests they have.
There’s a lot more that goes into supporting your child than just challenging behaviors, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Although these tips may not be an end-all solution, they are a solid way to start dealing with challenging behaviors. Hopefully, these resources will help you find what works best for your family and provide you with tools to better cope as time goes on. We are Mandt Certified to increase relationship building and decrease restraints. To learn more about the Mandt System, click here!
Creating fun and engaging play experiences for toddlers with ASD requires understanding their unique interests and sensory needs. Sensory play, cause-and-effect toys, imitative activities, visual supports, and interactive music all offer opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect with their children through play. By focusing on the child’s strengths and adapting activities to their preferences, families can create enriching playtime experiences that foster development, build communication skills, and strengthen social connections.
Using reinforcement as part of potty training can make the process more effective, positive, and rewarding for both parents and children. By selecting meaningful rewards, maintaining consistency, and focusing on positive reinforcement, parents can help their child develop this important skill with confidence.
Incorporating ABA principles into family activities not only enhances engagement but also promotes learning and social skills development. By planning outings and activities that are inclusive and supportive, families can create enjoyable experiences that foster connections and understanding. Whether through nature walks, cooking together, or engaging in community events, the focus should always be on reinforcing positive behaviors and celebrating achievements. Ultimately, these shared experiences can strengthen family bonds while empowering children with ASD to thrive.