Adjusting the Physical Environment to Decrease Anxiety and Increase Compliance in Kids on the Spectrum
To make interventions that will decrease anxiety and increase compliance in children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger’s, parents need to create an environment in which their youngster feels comfortable and has an understanding of the events taking place around him or her. The environment needs to provide: Structure Routine Predictability Organization Consistency Logically explained rules Clear rewards and consequences in response to these rules When this is in place, the “special needs” youngster will begin to feel competent. Here are the 4 steps to creating an optimal environment for young people on the autism spectrum: 1. Reinforcers (i.e., things that increase desired behavior) will need to be very individualized, because kids and teens with HFA and Asperger’s often don’t respond to typical reinforcers. Parents must be well aware of what their youngster views as a reward. Points to consider: Reinforcers can cause difficulties if they are used too f