1. Introduction: From Understanding to Action
Jewel: Welcome back to the Ananya Child Development Centre podcast. I'm Jewel, and today we are continuing our exploration of practical strategies for supporting children with repetitive behaviors. I know we are both passionate about putting these ideas into action.
Yuganti: Absolutely, Jewel. It's always exciting to delve deeper into these strategies. To think about how they can make a real difference. In the lives of the children and families we work with. I find that observation is just the bedrock of everything. It is the foundation on which we build our understanding.
2. The Power of Observation: Becoming a Behavior Detective
Jewel: I agree. And it goes beyond simply noticing the behavior, right? In the previous podcast, Madhvi ma'am gave such detailed insights into advanced observation techniques. What are your thoughts on really honing in on those details? It is like solving a mystery.
Yuganti: You have to become a bit of a detective. Note the time of the day. The environment. Who's around. What happened just before. What happened after. Track intensity on a scale of 1 to 5. Note the duration. That's where the patterns start to emerge. You start to see the triggers and their consequences.
3. Real-Life Example: Understanding Rohan's Rocking
Jewel: What about usual? Any specific aha moments from your observations?
Yuganti: Definitely. Remember Rohan? How he used to rock and hum every day after school? Tracking it carefully helped me realize it was his way of decompressing. From the overstimulating environment. It wasn't just random behavior. It served a purpose. It was a way for him to regulate himself. This also showed us that this was a learned behavior.
4. Creating Predictability: Schedules and Time Warnings
Jewel: Exactly, it's about understanding the why, and then using that information to create a more supportive environment, like using the visual schedules for transitions.
Yuganti: That was a game-changer, wasn't it? It helped him anticipate what was coming next. Giving him those time warnings, 5 more minutes. Two more minutes. Using a visual timer. It gave him that sense of predictability he craved. He felt more in control. What are your go-to strategies for creating predictability, Jewel?
5. Routines and Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Jewel: Visual schedules are definitely high on my list. But also, just establishing consistent routines. Predictable mealtimes, bedtime routines, even a consistent morning routine can make a huge difference. It helps them feel safe and secure. They know what to expect.
Yuganti: I agree about routines. And for those kids who are sensory sensitive, creating a sensory-friendly space is crucial. Remember Priya? She was so overwhelmed by noise, she would cover her ears and cry.
Jewel: Oh yes, Priya. How is she doing with the noise cancellation headphones? I remember you suggested those to her parents.
Yuganti: They have been amazing for her. And having that quiet corner with soft lighting and a weighted blanket gives her a space to retreat to. It's her safe space. It's her sanctuary. She can regulate herself there.
Help Your Child Thrive
6. Providing Outlets for Sensory Needs
Jewel: It is very important to offer different sensory activities for children.
Yuganti: Absolutely. And on the flip side, for those sensory seekers, providing appropriate outlets is key. Like including sensory play into their day. We need to give them what they crave, but in a constructive way.
Jewel: Yes, play-doh, sensory bins with rice and beans, finger painting. It's not just fun, it's therapeutic. It channels their energy positively, and it helps them develop fine motor skills as well.
7. Food Chaining and Involving Children in Food Prep
Jewel: Have you been using food chaining much in your practice? I know it can be challenging, but also rewarding.
Yuganti: I have, with some success. It's such a gradual, gentle approach. I had a little one who only ate very bland foods. We started with plain mashed potatoes and slowly introduced sweet potato, then carrots, and then a mix of other vegetables. It takes patience, but it works. It is important to introduce foods that are similar in taste and texture. If you'd like to learn more about managing feeding challenges, our previous podcast episode provides more in-depth strategies.
Jewel: It is so true. It is a great technique to use. And involving them in food prep, like Madhavi ma'am suggested, can make a big difference. Even if it's just washing vegetables, it gets them interested in food.
Yuganti: It empowers them, doesn't it? Gives them a sense of control over what they're eating. And creating a positive mealtime environment is so vital. No pressure, no force-feeding. That just creates negative associations.
8. Social Stories: A Tool for Social Understanding
Jewel: What are your thoughts on using social stories? I know you have had success with them. They are a wonderful tool for children with autism.
Yuganti: Oh, they are fantastic. They help children navigate social situations, understand expectations and reduce anxiety. Remember the one we created for Rohan about going to the doctor? It made a huge difference in calming his fears. We broke it down into small manageable steps.
Jewel: How about you? Any success stories with social stories?
Yuganti: Oh, definitely. I had a little girl who was terrified of starting school. We created a social story about what to expect, who her teacher would be, what she would do each day. It really helped ease her anxiety. She felt more prepared. Our podcast on autism intervention discusses various tools like these in more detail.
Jewel: They are like a road map, guiding them through potentially stressful situations.
9. Therapeutic Play: Unlocking the Child's Language
Yuganti: And speaking of guidance, using play therapeutically is so powerful, isn't it? It is a way for us to enter their world.
Jewel: Absolutely. It's their natural language. If they're lining up cars, you join in, but then maybe introduce a new element. A ramp. A tunnel. You expand on their play, make it more complex. How do you use play to address specific challenges?
Yuganti: I often use it to work on transitions. Like using toys to act out a doll going from the playground to the car, or a toy train going from one station to another. It makes it more concrete for them. It helps them understand the sequence of events.
Jewel: That's brilliant. And sensory play, specifically, is just so crucial. Providing those varied textures, opportunities for movement. It can be incredibly regulating. I have found that many children find deep pressure very calming.
10. The Benefits of Music, Art, and Movement
Yuganti: Oh, it really can. And incorporating music and art into their routines can be so beneficial as well, right? It is a way for them to express themselves.
Jewel: Definitely. Music can be calming or stimulating, depending on what they need. An art gives them a creative outlet for self-expression. I love using those for children who are non-verbal. It gives them a voice.
11. Understanding and Managing the Extinction Burst
Yuganti: So true. Hey, what are your thoughts on the extinction burst phenomenon? Have you encountered that much in your practice? It can be quite challenging.
Jewel: Oh, absolutely. The extinction burst is when a behaviour for a short time increases or intensifies before it starts decreasing. Like a child's tantrums getting worse for a few days when you stop giving in to them. It's so important to prepare parents for that temporary increase in behavior when you first start an intervention.
Yuganti: It can be really tough, but it's actually a sign that things are working. The child is trying to figure out what is going on.
Jewel: Exactly. It's like the behavior is saying, "Hey, this used to work. Why isn't it working now?" We have to preserve through that phase. We have to be consistent and not given,
12. The Importance of Documentation and Collaboration
Yuganti: And that's where documentation becomes so crucial. Tracking the behavior, the triggers, the successful strategies. It helps you see the progress, even if it's slow. And then it is important to involve the parents in this. They need to be a part of the solution.
Jewel: Totally agreed. And it's vital for homeschool collaboration too. Sharing strategies, creating consistency across environments. It makes such a difference when everyone's on the same page. We need a united front.
13. Utilizing Differential Reinforcement
**Yuganti:**What are your thoughts on using differential reinforcement, Jewel?
Jewel: It's a powerful technique, but it requires careful timing and consistency. Reinforcing those desired behaviors immediately and not giving attention to the repetitive ones. What's your experience been like?
Yuganti: It definitely takes practice, but it can be so effective in shaping behavior and it ties in with the whole idea of early intervention, capitalizing on that neuroplasticity window. We need to take advantage of the brain's ability to change and adapt.
Jewel: Absolutely. The earlier we can provide support, the more profound the impact. It's all about shaping those developing brains.
14. Exploring Interoception Awareness
Yuganti: And I've been thinking more about interoception awareness lately. It is such an important concept.
Jewel: Me too. It's such a fundamental skill for self-regulation, helping kids tune into their internal body signals like hunger, thirst, emotions. How are you helping your children and their parents develop that awareness?
Yuganti: It is all about mind-body connection. I've been using visuals like a body outline. And having them point to where they feel different sensations and practicing mindfulness exercises like body scans, it helps them connect with their bodies. I also like to use a feelings thermometer to help them gauge the intensity of their emotions.
Jewel: I have been using feelings thermometers and incorporating yoga into sessions. It's amazing to see them become more aware of their internal states. Yoga combines movement, breath, and mindfulness.
15. The Holistic Approach and the Role of Ananya
Yuganti: It's all interconnected, isn't it? The more we understand these connections, the better we can support these children.
Jewel: It is a holistic approach.
Yuganti: Absolutely. And it's so rewarding to see them progress, to see them thrive, to see them gain more control over their bodies and their behaviours.
Jewel: It really is. And to empower parents with these strategies, to remind them they are not alone. The monthly NeuroNurture sessions at Ananya, our parent support group meetings where families share their experiences, challenges and triumphs in raising their special needs children are such a valuable resource.
Yuganti: Totally agree. It creates a sense of community and shared learning. Parents can learn from each other, support each other. Our podcast on parent solution circles highlights this beautifully.
16. Conclusion: Continuous Learning and Collaboration
Jewel: Well, it has been such an insightful conversation. It's always so helpful to share ideas and experiences. We can learn so much from each other.
Yuganti: I agree. We are constantly learning and growing as therapists, and it's so important to keep these conversations going. We need to keep up with the latest research and best practices.
Jewel: To many more aha moments and many more successes for the incredible children we work with and to continued collaboration between us as professionals.
Yuganti: Cheers to that.
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Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your child's health or treatment.
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