Teach special needs kids at home

Using TEACCH at Home (taken from lecture notes) for parents who want to teach their special needs kids at home

Equipment needed:

1. Small table top with light-colored or white paper so items can be seen when put on the table and there is no distraction from table covering.

2. Small chair with back support and one that enables the child's feet to touch the floor. If feet don't reach the floor, support them with books, etc.

3. Special toys which will be used for teaching sessions at first so they will continue to arouse the child's interest.

4. An empty box or plastic basket to put completed tasks into.

5. Reinforcers such as tiny bits of food treats, special toys, or activities to reward the child for work. Anything the child likes can be used as a reinforcer.


Procedures and Suggestions:

1. Pick a time for the session when the child is happy, rested and free from stress.

2. Have the teaching session in the same place each time; a special place that is not typically a play area.

3. Try to make it a fun, relaxed time for the child and discontinue the session before he or she becomes frustrated or tired. Postpone teaching if the child is ill or the grown-up is tired.

4. Time the session. Initially, the child may be able to concentrate only 3-5 minutes. But gradually increase the amount of time spent as he or she tolerates it. Keep the total time around 20-30 minutes per session. You don't need to complete each task at every session.

5. Try to isolate the concept you want the child to learn. Make it really clear.

6. If one person is doing the majority of teaching, it will be helpful to have someone else occasionally work through the tasks with the child. This will help the child generalize these skills to other situations.

7. As the child acquires new skills, encourage him or her to use them throughout the day in a variety of settings. Many skills can be practices in ordinary, day-to-day activities.

8. Keep language quiet, slow and simple. Limit phrases to one, two or three words when expecting comprehension.

9. The child needs to know that you won't give up and go away. They need to know that they must follow directions and that they won't get out of it until they do it right. Make the praise worth the effort. Keep the session moving.


Specific instructions:

1. When it is time to work, say "Time to work." and lead the child to the work area. When the child needs a break say, "Time to play." and lead the child to a play area. Try to finish a task before taking a break.

2. Try to keep the child seated until you tell him "Time to play."

3. For each task, remove the materials from the work basket at the child's left and place them on the table in front of him or her. Only have out the materials needed for the work you are doing. Keep all your other materials handy but out of the child's line of sight.

4. Be sure you have the child's attention before attempting to show him what you want him or her to do. Before beginning a task say, "Get ready.", "Quiet hands.", "Quiet feet.", "Quiet mouth.", "Look at me.". You can model and/or assist the child with what these terms mean (quiet hands=hands in lap not fidgeting, quiet feet=feet flat on the floor, quiet mouth=no sounds coming out of mouth)

5. If the object, instruction, or concept is new, help the child through it. Name the object clearly or demonstrate the action or concept slowly and clearly.

6. If he or she will not follow through with an activity, have him go through it with your assistance and then praise him or her for cooperating.

7. Reinforcements will be used liberally in the beginning so your child will realize that good things occur if he or she complies with your request. As he or she begins to see the intrinsic rewards in the tasks (such as your saying 'good job' or giving the child your attention etc), reinforcers should be gradually reduced. Initially, you will want to give a reinforcer every time he or she complies with a request. After a little while, go to giving a reinforcer every other time, then every two or three times and then randomly without following any kind of pattern. This intermittent reinforcement is the most sustaining because the child doesn't know when he or she will get a reward for compliance. It keeps the child on his or her toes just like slot machines do for adults.

8. As each task is completed, say "All done." or "Finished." and place the materials in another basket at the child's right. If the child is distracted by the materials being in view, you can set the completed materials on the floor.