Friday, March 03, 2006

Tips for shopping trips

This article gives some advice on what to teach autistic kids so that trips to the grocery store become manageable. Here's an excerpt:
"For most children, instruction should begin in simulated practice settings at home or in school before moving on to a small grocery or convenience store. The child should be able to follow a number of basic instructions in a more controlled environment before visiting a larger supermarket.
Developing a plan to address problem behaviors is important. The plan should be the same for school and home. Immediately leaving the store and not providing a reward can be effective, unless the child's behavior problems occur because he or she wants to leave the store. "Giving in" and offering the child a toy or edible treat to avoid or stop a tantrum may be effective for the moment, but will likely make the problem worse in the future. "

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