People with typically functioning sensory systems learn to tolerate stimulation through their senses in many different ways. They also learn how to use the information they receive through their senses to control themselves and their movements and interact with the world around them. For example, just as our eyes detect visual information and relay that information to the brain for …
Interactive Book Helps Kids Understand the Power of Positive Choices!
The book What Should Danny Do? contains nine stories in one. It is an interactive book that helps kids understand that their choices will shape their days, and ultimately their lives. Written in a “Choose Your Own Story” style, the book follows Danny, a Superhero-in-Training, through his day as he faces choices that kids face daily. As your child/student navigates …
Why Positive Behavior Support is Way More Than A Sticker Chart!
Positive behavior support and positive parenting are methods that work to teach kids right from wrong using natural and logical consequences (e.g., you make a mess you clean it up; you take something without asking, you give it back; you break something on purpose, you work to earn the money to fix it; you are disruptive in the movie theatre, …
5 Effective Anger Management Tips for Kids (or Adults)
It’s natural to get angry when you feel misheard, misunderstood, treated unfairly, or wrongfully accused. When you are angry, you often feel stuck with a problem that you can’t solve. Rather than yelling, screaming, hitting or hiding, here are some problem-solving strategies to help you make the most out of a difficult situation. There problem-solving strategies are based on the …
Are You Using This Number One Strategy to Get Your Children to Listen?
Find out how to use positive phrasing to improve behavior in children. Improve listening and reduce power struggles.
Being Active in Nature Improves Mental and Physical Health for Kids: Infographic
I am constantly encouraging my four-year-old son to get outside and exercise with me. He doesn’t always want to do it, but sometimes I will pull the “we have to go for a walk” or “play tag outside” before we watch TV. My son is a TV/tablet lover and if it were up to him he would be on electronics …
An Interactive Story to Teach Kids About Restaurant Behavior
Social stories are a research-based tool used to help children prepare for real-life events. They can be used to teach someone what to expect or how to behave in a particular setting. Because no situation is the same, it may be helpful to talk to your child about how their restaurant experience might be different from the story below. For example, in this story …
When Should a Child Be Evaluated for an Emotional Disturbance in School?
The information in this article applies to public schools in the United States. If your child attends school in a different type of setting, talk to your child’s school to see what they recommend for children with behavioral and/or social-emotional needs. What is Emotional Disturbance? Emotional Disturbance (ED) is considered one of the 14 disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) …
What Is a Functional Behavior Assessment & Is It Effective?
What is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)? An FBA is a research-based method used to figure out why a child is behaving a certain way in the school setting (an FBA can also be done in a residential treatment center or at home if a child is receiving mental health services there; parents can also think about ways to use an …
Does Research Show That Exercise Helps Kids with Autism & ADHD?
Experts at Michigan State University have demonstrated that kids with ADHD have better focus and are less distracted after a 20 minute exercise session. Matthew Pontifex, assistant professor of kinesiology at Michigan State University, and lead researcher for the study said: “This provides some very early evidence that exercise might be a tool in our nonpharmaceutical treatment of ADHD. Maybe our first …
10 Fun Activities to Do with Your Child at Home
Doing things with your kids is a great way to make time fly while spending quality time together! It also keeps behavior problems down. An engaged child who feels good and is having fun, will be more likely to behave than a child with idle time on his/her hands who is trying to figure out what to do next. Recommended Article: 10 …
Responsive Classroom: Evidenced-Based Approach Improves Academics & Behavior
What is Responsive Classroom? Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching elementary and middle school students. Responsive Classroom stresses the importance of fusing social-emotional learning with academic learning to create the optimal environment for success. Research finds that the Responsive Classroom approach is associated with higher math and reading achievement, an improved school climate, and higher-quality instruction. Responsive Classroom …
You Can Use Schedules to Improve Children’s Behavior with These Tips
This article discusses how to use schedules with children to promote positive behaviors. Strategies can also be utilized with adults with special needs. Using visual schedules for individuals who may have trouble with reading or language is discussed as well. Schedules can make a positive difference in a child’s behavior in class or at home. When a schedule is in place, children …
I Am Going to the Doctor: A Social Story for Kids About Going on a Doctor’s Appointment
Below you will find a social story about going to the doctor, to help children prepare for check-ups/appointments. Social stories are a research-based tool used to help children prepare for real-life events. They can help ease anxiety or set expectations for behavior in certain situations. Social stories are often used for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety disorders, or for …
8 Major Principles of Positive Behavior Support
While in graduate school for education and school psychology, I learned about the principles of positive behavior support, a research-based practice. At the time, I was working in a group home with individuals with a variety of emotional and behavioral needs. I knew this would be the perfect setting to implement my newly learned strategies. I immediately saw the positive …
An Interactive Story about What School Is Like and How to Behave
Below you will find an interactive social story about going to school. The story can be used to help children prepare for a typical school day including their first day of school. You can also read this story with your child to practice reading skills. Social stories are a research-based tool used to help children prepare for real-life events. They …
5 Tips to Set Up the Learning Environment for Students with Autism and ADHD
Find outhow to set up the classroom or learning space for students with autism and adhd
17 Ways to Get Your Kids to Listen to You and Show You Respect
This article gives you tips that teach you how to get your kids to listen to you, show you respect, and connect with you.
12 Ways Schools Can Support Children on the Autism Spectrum
As a behavior specialist and school psychologist, I often hear parents of children on the autism spectrum asking what support schools can provide for their child. Children with autism often have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in school to enable them to have specific goals, accommodations, and modifications; however, some parents may be unsure of what should actually be put in …
How to Motivate Your Students and Get Them to Listen to You (39 Effective Strategies for Classroom Management)
This article gives 39 effective classroom management strategies to help you get your students motivated while following the class rules and expectations. Your students can be motivated to listen and show respect.
Printable Classroom Rules with Matching Visuals
See below for strategies and tips on implementing your classroom rules. Download [130.34 KB] Set Up Your RulesHaving rules/expectations for behavior in the classroom is a great way to encourage positive behavior if used correctly. For rules to be effective: keep them short and to the point, do not have too many rules (3 to 5 is a good rule …