Social Skills Series: Help Kids Engage In Conversation

This article discusses the benefits of breaking down conversation into questions and how this can help kids with autism engage in conversation. The report provides some examples of questions that might be used in different situations and also offers tips on how a parent can make this process more interesting for their child.

ABA Therapy to Help with Conversations

ABA therapy is available for kids who struggle with conversational skills, reading comprehension, etc. ABA therapists typically present questions that the child may have difficulties answering at first. They then have the child provide answers and praise them for doing well. This pattern continues so that the child learns how to answer questions independently.

How to guide a conversation for children with autism?

There are a few ways to help children with autism engage in conversation. For starters, it is essential to provide a quiet play area for the child to explore. This will minimize the sensory overload the child may be experiencing and make them more comfortable in social interactions. Second, try to use short sentences during your conversation with children. It is also important not to interrupt too often or give unclear directions. Lastly, try to use the child's name repeatedly in your conversation with children with autism and talk about familiar things to them.

When talking to a person with autism, use short phrases and sentences. This will help with processing language. When speaking, do not interrupt them—they may have trouble understanding you if they answer before you finish your sentence. Give instructions one step at a time. Be sure to speak slowly and clearly and be consistent with what you say— if a teacher says something once, she should follow up with the same information later. Try to use the child's name often in your conversation with children with autism and talk about familiar things to them.

Questions to Encourage Conversation

Some good questions to ask a child with autism are "What is your favorite movie?" and "What is your favorite game?" For some children, it is easier to answer a question when they are asked what they want. Still, other children may want you to tell them a story or draw something. Children with autism may also enjoy playing games such as guessing how many fingers are on the hand, how many objects can fit in an empty box, etc. Convey interest in the child's activities and preferences. Children with autism may be more likely to respond to adults who show a genuine interest in their likes, dislikes, abilities, and struggles. The adult needs to convey that she cares about the child's feelings. 

Ideas for Conversation Questions

-What are your favorite foods? 

-What is your favorite movie?

-How did you spend your summer vacation?

-What are you working on?

-What is your favorite book?

-What is your favorite movie?

-Who are your friends?

-Do you have any pets?

Conclusion

The best way to get kids to talk is to ask questions that elicit an emotional response. Asking them about their favorite book, game, or toy will get the conversation going and help them open up. Having a diverse selection of books on hand can also be helpful.

The most important thing is to keep trying. It takes practice for kids to become comfortable talking with adults, and if they feel frustrated or embarrassed, they may decide not to speak with adults.

Social Skills Series: Help Your Child Learn Emotional Regulation

ABA therapy is a behavioral therapy designed to teach children about appropriate behavior and emotional regulation. This article discusses how this type of therapy could benefit your child and offers advice on how to get started with ABA therapy.

What is ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is a prevalent type of behavioral therapy for children. ABA stands for "Applied behavior analysis." This type of therapy can make a massive difference in how they behave and manage their emotions when it comes to kids. For example, some children diagnosed with autism may have trouble with emotional regulation. But when they participate in ABA therapy, they can learn skills that help them learn how to regulate their emotions more effectively.

What is a lack of emotional regulation?

Emotional regulation is a child's ability to control their emotions and behavior. This skill is developed by regulating their reactions to situations, handling solid emotions without getting distressed, and controlling impulses. For example, if a child falls down and gets hurt, they may cry for help and then stop crying when someone comes to help them up. Children with more effective emotional regulation skills can take more risks and play more actively because they know that they will be able to manage whatever feelings or difficulties may arise.

How does ABA therapy work?

ABA therapy can help children with language, communication, and even emotional regulation. The therapist will teach the child to identify their feelings and appropriately express them. They will also learn to understand why their actions cause specific emotional responses in others.

ABA therapists work on these skills by giving the child a "homework" assignment that they have to do at home. For example, if the therapist asked the child to identify one feeling and then write it down, they might give them a homework assignment like this: "Draw a picture of what you are feeling right now."

ABA therapy at home For Emotional Regulation

Many children struggle with emotional regulation. They may feel overstimulated, frustrated, or angry and don't know how to handle their feelings. ABA therapy at home is a great way to teach your child emotional regulation. ABA therapists work with kids in all areas of learning, such as language skills and social skills, so they can learn how to identify and cope with their emotions before they get out of control.

You can do ABA at home with your child by following these tips: 

-Find a consistent time to work on your child's behaviors. 

-Practice skills in different settings, such as at home and at school.

-Create a visual schedule that includes all of the tasks you want to accomplish during ABA sessions. 

-Ask for help from people in your community, like teachers and daycare workers. 

-Use reinforcements, such as stickers or favorite toys, when needed.

 -Seek support from other parents of children on the autism spectrum by attending ABA meetings. -Find a treatment provider, like an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist specializing in ABA therapy.

Conclusion

ABA therapy is a very intensive, time-consuming therapy. It is effective in helping children learn how to regulate their emotions and behavior. ABA therapy can also help with other areas of life like speech, motor skills, and social skills.

I hope you found this blog informative and the information helpful. If you are interested in learning more about Applied Behavior Analysis and the services Behavior Matters, LLC provides, please email info@behaviormattersllc.com.

Social Skills Series: Playtime Strategies for Children

Social skills are important for children to acquire early on in life to help them navigate the world around them. Here is a list of strategies parents and teachers can use to help kids with social skills by playing with them!

Introduction

This blog will provide children and parents with information on building social skills through playtime activities. The first way to promote social interaction is to get children to role-play with each other. For example, one child can be the cashier while the others are customers. Another idea is to have children practice small talk by inviting them to share their hobbies and interests.

Basic Strategy: Pretend Play

Pretending to do things that adults are doing is a great excellent way for children to learn how to interact with their environment. For example, when a child pretends to cook food in the kitchen, they learn how to follow recipes and take turns while cooking. When they pretend to drive a car, they learn how to decide which roads to go down and when it is appropriate to be in the right or left lane. 

Playtime Tips

Children learn through play. Playtime is a time to explore and experiment, which helps children learn new skills. When planning playtime, it's essential to include a variety of playthings. Encourage children to use an assortment of objects that are large and small. Ask your child what they want to do with the toys and follow their lead. If possible, provide wet materials like paint or clay so sensory play.

Here are some other tips:

1) Don't crowd the play area 

2) Provide a variety of toys 

3) Let kids move around and explore the space 

4) Make sure there is room for everyone 

5) If possible, let kids play outdoors

6) Have an area for quiet play

Strategies to Promote Cooperation

Playtime is an essential part of childhood. It provides children with opportunities to learn how to work with others and practice their social skills. Children can learn how to cooperate through a variety of activities. One strategy is to have children take turns with different tasks. If they are playing "store," one child could help you (the parent) put the items on the shelves, and the other child could be in charge of taking care of money and making change. Another strategy is to involve children in informal problem-solving. For example, if you need someone to help you carry groceries, ask them for their suggestions. Children will often work together without adult prompting. 

Strategies to Promote Showing Empathy

One way to promote showing empathy is to set up a play scenario where a character is sad, such as not being able to find their favorite toy. Kids then get to work together and help the character find the toy. Rather than tell them what the character is feeling, you can ask them what they think the characters might be feeling.  A second strategy is to ask the child to think of a friend and pretend that their friend is sad. Then have the child walk through how they might comfort the friend. This can be played out by having the child act it out with a doll, stuffed animal, or toy. Make sure you praise what your children are doing right and reinforce good behavior as you work on this skill.

Strategies to Promote Social Skills with Peers

Your child will learn more about their peers and how to play alongside them by using these strategies: 1. Use a picture schedule. Create 5-10 pictures of fun, safe play activities and hang them on the wall where your child can see them. Tell your child that you will go over the schedule with them (show them the pictures) so they know what to do while you and your partner are away. The plan should include various activities (e.g., playing with cars, baking cookies, looking at books). If possible, engage your child in creating and making some of the pictures on the schedule. Make sure you pick activities that your child likes, so they will be more interested in doing them when you are not around. 

2. Give a daily "play story." Your partner should tell your child about one play activity I scheduled for the day. This helps make expectations explicit and encourages independent play when you are not there to model it for them. If possible, teach your partner to use language and tone of voice to keep things positive ("We're going to the park tomorrow, and I know how much you like that!"). But also give your partner a heads-up if there's a play activity that might be a bit more challenging or risky (e.g., "We're going to go swimming this afternoon. You've been practicing, so I think you'll do great!").

Conclusion

This blog was all about promoting social skills in children and the strategies used to do so. The process mentioned were having children interact with other children, allowing them to make their own choices, and providing opportunities for cooperation. These strategies will promote more social skills in children, leading to a higher quality of life.

I hope you found this blog informative and the information helpful. If you are interested in learning more about Applied Behavior Analysis and the services Behavior Matters, LLC provides, please email info@behaviormattersllc.com.

Social Skills Series: 3 Coping Skills Techniques For Social Situations

Social skills can be complex for some children. But with these three coping skills, even the most challenging social environments can become less stressful and anxiety-filled.

What Are Coping Skills

Coping skills are behaviors that help a person manage their feelings, thoughts, and memories. Coping can be done in many different ways, though finding the correct method is not always easy. Some examples of coping skills are staying active, practicing relaxation techniques, going out with friends, spending time on hobbies, doing things for others, or even using humor. Coping skills should not be used to ignore problems but rather as a way to help deal with them. 

Why coping skills can be used in social situations?

Coping skills are techniques used to manage our emotions and thoughts. They can be used in any case, no matter how odd or uncomfortable the situation. Skills can be as simple as breathing deeply and slowing down your breathing to help fight stress. Other skills include projecting a clear image, befriending somebody in the room, distracting yourself with thoughts of something you're grateful for, or simply leaving the room.

Tips for children with Autism 

It's important to find safe places where you and your child are comfortable. The more you practice socializing in these situations, the easier it will become. Take a break or cross the room when someone makes you feel uncomfortable. Be sure not to keep socializing if you or your child have a hard time. Remember that avoiding people and places may be necessary when symptoms get overwhelming. It's essential to know your child's limits and recognize them before they happen so that they are not pushed too much into an uncomfortable situation.

3 Coping Skills For Social Situations

When we contact other people, we are not just meeting them. We are also meeting our own expectations for how the encounter should go and how we should behave. Knowing this, some have found that it helps plan in place for social situations before they happen. Three coping skills that can help include: (1) relax, (2) be present, and (3) stay grounded. These skills can help parents assess their child's needs and adjust.

Here’s what a coping plan might look like. Prepare your child for the social situation. Tell your child, "You will be with family and friends at a birthday party. You may have to stay longer than expected. You will play with new toys and friends". Let your child know what they can do to cope in the social setting if anxious. Have your child repeat after you. “If I get frustrated, you can take a deep breath and relax. I will enjoy myself. I will have fun. I will try to make the best of it. I will pay attention to what’s happening around me and stay focused on enjoying myself. If I need to leave, I can take a break. I will press my feet hard on the floor to feel grounded. When I am ready, I can return to the activity."

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you identify the best coping skills for your situation. The most important thing is to try different techniques. When you find ones that work for you and your child, then follow them regularly to see improvement in coping skills during social settings.

I hope you found this blog informative and the information helpful. If you are interested in learning more about Applied Behavior Analysis and the services Behavior Matters, LLC provides, please email info@behaviormattersllc.com.