General Programming Strategies for a Child with Autism/P.D.D.

When Interacting with a Child:

1. Sit at the child’s eye level.
2. Touch the child on the arm occasionally to refocus his/her attention.
3. Say the child’s name, occasionally, throughout the task.
4. Use 2-3 word sentences and focus on task-related or important words. i.e. “Ahmed, roll ball.”
5. Continue to comment, label the child’s activities (and those of the other children around him/her.)
6. Be positive. Emphasize the child’s strengths and reinforce all of his/her efforts. i.e. “Gevon, great puzzle making.”
7. Reinforce the child’s communication be repeating what he/she says and then expand on it.
   i.e. child: “cah go”
   adult: “car go”
   adult: “red car go”
8. When your child consistently repeats what you say (parrots / mimics,) this is called “echolalic speech,” or “echolalia.”
   i.e. adult: “Do you want more juice?”
   child: “Do you want more juice?”
   • Use simple phrases which sound appropriate when repeated.
     i.e. adult: “Want juice?”
     child: “Want juice.”
   • Ignore delayed echolalia.
9. Exaggerate your facial expressions (wide eyes, raise eyebrows.)
10. Use body cues (pointing, hand motions.)
11. Use objects or pictures when they are available.
12. Have fun.