Summary of Steps:
- Take several sessions to build rapport, even if you have already been seeing the child
- Follow the child’s lead
- Include his interests
- Be interested in what he’s interested in
- Offer choices
- Praise the student 4 times for every 1 time you have to redirect, correct, or discipline the child
- Start with asking the child to do things that you know he can do easily, even if it’s not speech related
- Gradually increase the difficulty level of tasks and include whatever supports are necessary to make the child successful
- Use highly motivating reinforcers
- Look into Errorless Learning. You want the child to succeed!
- If behaviors do arise:
- Stay calm
- Acknowledge the child’s feelings as valid and make sure they know you care that they feel that way
- Provide a consistent consequence while showing as little emotion as possible
- Don’t let the child escape the task when behaviors arise
- Define expectations ahead of time and practice skills if necessary
