Social narratives are short stories that use concrete text, photos, or drawings to explain situations or skills that may be confusing to the individual. They often include examples of how to positively respond to the situation. It is helpful to use social narratives to support the individual’s understanding of changes during unexpected events such as COVID-19.
Reinforcement is an evidence-based practice used to increase the likelihood of a behavior or skill occurring again. Reinforcement is provided immediately after the desired behavior or skill and can be someone saying, “thank you,” smiling after receiving help, or giving a snack after finishing a difficult task. Reinforcers should be something the individual really enjoys or interacts with often. There are six types of reinforcers.
Visual schedules represent upcoming activities through the use of sequenced objects, photos, pictures, and/or text. They are a visual support that create structure and establish expectations.
While holidays are a time of joy and celebration, they can also be difficult for youth with autism spectrum disorder. During the holiday season, thoughtful planning can assist in reducing holiday-related stress and challenging behaviors related to the uniqueness of different holiday events and activities. The purpose of this guide is to provide strategies to help de-stress during the busy holiday season.