Watch Them Soar! Fun and Simple Ways to Boost Independence

As children grow and develop, they start to gain new skills to assist them in being more independent. You want your children to be able to complete self-help skills such as brushing their own teeth, washing hands, getting themselves dressed etc. independently. These are some important tips to consider when teaching your child self-help skills: 

Model the skill: Show your child how to complete the skill, step by step and encourage them to try themselves! 

Break down the skills: Instead of giving the task of, “Go brush your teeth” start with assisting them with each step and allowing them to do one step by themselves. As they start to get that one step down, let them do the next step independently! Keep moving through all the steps until your child can complete all the steps independently! 

Be Positive, make it fun: For some children, the task may not be a task they prefer to do. Think of ways to make it fun! For example, “I can get dressed faster than you! Ready, set, go!” 

Be patient: It is going to take time and it is important not to rush them through the steps or do it for them. Instead offer guidance to help them complete each step and slowly fade yourself out 

These tips were provided by one of our regional directors and BCBA’s, Elise Escobar.  

New Year, New Goals 

As the year comes to a close, it is important to reflect on all the progress your child has made over the last 12 months. Did they start school? Become more independent with dressing? Learn new words? Take the time to celebrate the hard work you, your child, and your clinical team have put in to meet these goals. Your BCBA always includes the most recent assessment results in your child’s progress report. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about these charts, graphs, or tables to get a clear understanding about how your child is progressing. 

With progress comes the need for new goals! Work with your clinical team to map out your family’s ABA ambitions for the new year. Here are some life events your child might experience this year and examples of goals you and the clinical team can tackle to prepare them: 

• Toilet training – practice labeling when they need to be changed and pulling pants up and down with assistance. 

• Starting school or daycare – 1-step and noun-verb instructions found in a school setting such as sit down, stand up, raise your hand, and line up. 

• Joining a team or club – introducing themselves and asking the names of others. 

Butterfly Effects and the field of ABA prioritize individualized and socially significant behavior change programs. This means we need your input and collaboration because you know your child best! Schedule a meeting with your BCBA today to discuss your child’s new year’s goals. We can’t wait to hear from you! 

A few encouraging words by one of our regional directors and BCBA’s, Mariah Jensen.