Have Realistic Expectations:

• Talk to classroom teachers about what types of activities the child tolerates and how long he is able to focus at a time
• Shorten sessions as needed to get the best behavior

Set Rules and Expectations Ahead of Time:

Click Here to Download Our Speech Rules

• Let children know rules and expectations as soon as they come in
• Provide visual and verbal reminders throughout the session to help

Set Up the Environment for Success:

• Limit distractions
• Seat children next to other children that they work well with
• Use appropriate lighting

Set Up the Student for Success:

• Tell the child exactly what you want him to do and remind him of expectations right before he needs to act
• Start out with easier tasks so the student has some success
• Make sure to praise 4 times for every one criticism or correction
• Use the student’s interests

Respond to Inappropriate Behaviors Respectfully but Firmly:

• Remind students of the expected behavior as opposed to just telling him to stop what he’s doing
• Help the student practice the expected behavior if needed
• Use natural consequences when possible (If you can’t stay in your chair, you’ll have to stand)
• Offer choices of correct behavior (you can sit in the blue chair or in the red chair)
• If you see behaviors starting, offer a reward to everyone who gets through the next task (“each person only has one more card to do and then he gets to pick out a toy”)
• Reward other children for expected behavior and then immediately praise the off-task child when he corrects