Choosing the Right Intervention Strategy for Autism:
Children with autism benefit from some specific strategies for behavior intervention. Some strategies used are Discrete trial training ( DTT), Reciprocal imitation training, and pivotal response therapy. However these specialized trainings usually require a trained therapist or professionals. For teachers and parents, here are some ideas that you can keep in mind while making behavioral intervention plans for autistic children.
Choose a reinforcer : using reinforcements is one of the best ways to teach children . Very young children with autism benefit from using edible reinforcers like a small piece of a biscuit every time they perform the desired behavior or an alternate behavior to the problem behavior. Older children with autism enjoy sensory reinforcers like a few minutes on a rocking chair, music, or a favorite object. The reinforcer needs to be something that the child really desires and does not get at other times.
Making a schedule: Children with autism learn best when they have a schedule and a structured environment. Schedule a part of the day as a time to work on new skills. Sit in the same place everyday to teach the new skills. Use the same reinforcer. All this will help the child focus and learn.
Providing an acceptable alternative for sensory seeking problem behaviors: Children with autism have a variety of sensory seeking problem behaviors. Some of them include biting, throwing things, or banging self against the wall. They engage in these behaviors to fulfill their sensory needs. Thus intervention for these behaviors needs to include activities that will fulfill these needs in an acceptable and safe way.
Starting with simple activities and slowly grading them: This involves starting the skill training with a very small component of the entire task and slowly making it more complex. Introducing a challenging task in the beginning might get the child frustrated and he may not cooperate with you to learn new skills.
Consistent intervention: Once you have made these behavior intervention plans for autistic children, you need to follow them consistently. Every time a child performs the skilled behavior he needs to be rewarded , and every time he performs a problem behavior you need to respond.