Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions that often bring challenges related to: social skills, speech, and behavior. For many parents, trying to understand and manage their child’s behaviors can be difficult. One of the biggest challenges is trying to create a consistent structure for handling situations when their child is acting out. Additionally, having a consistent way to reinforce positive behaviors is often overlooked.

Below is an example of a method parents can use effectively when trying to address certain behaviors of their child, both positive and negative.

Time-Out & Time-In.

What is Time-Out?

When a child is told to go somewhere – like a chair or facing a wall, alone for a determined amount of time.

How to effectively implement Time-Out.

• Use a calm voice and avoid making choices based on emotions.
• Set specific rules and criteria and ensure a consistent implementation.
• Use brief statements of the behavior you want to see next/again.
  • “When you are calm, you can tell me what you need.”
  • With an inside voice, let em know what you want when you are ready.”
  • The video games are not available, you can have a book or your race car. Let me know when you are ready to pick with an inside voice.
    • Avoid offering to many options.
    • Avoid offering options after the behavior occurred.

When NOT to use Time-Out

• With children who use behavior to avoid or escape situations, tasks, or activities.
• With children who engage in self injurious behavior and could cause harm to themselves.

What is Time-In?

Reinforcing positive behaviors through praise or attention.

Ho to use Time-In

• Provide lots of attention for the behaviors you want to see again.
• Labeling the things you like. (Descriptive praise.)
  • “I love how you are sharing your blocks with your sister!”
  • “You are sitting waiting so nicely!”
  • “Thank you for helping clean up!”
• Identify what your child likes.
  • Verbal praise, hugs, tickles, squeezes, high fives, tokens, toys.
  • Use these paired with descriptive praise.
• Use high energy and incorporate them with activities your child likes.

At EAS, we build individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs which help address behavior planning, as well as: social skills, fine motor skills, language and communication, play skills, self help, and more. If you would like to speak with a clinician to set up a time to see discuss building a personalized program for your child, please click on the link below.

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