Compassionate & Affirming Strategies to Support Children with Developmental Delays
October 11, 2024 2024-10-11 10:06Compassionate & Affirming Strategies to Support Children with Developmental Delays
Compassionate & Affirming Strategies to Support Children with Developmental Delays
Below are some strategies we recommend for children that are starting school or going back to school after a break.
- Transition Support:
School visits before the start of the term, along with practicing social stories using videos and pictures of the new school/class, help familiarize learners with their environment. This preparation reduces anxiety and builds confidence, making the transition smoother. - Visual Supports (Including Picture Exchange Communication System – PECS):
Visual schedules, charts, and cues, along with PECS, aid in understanding routines and enhancing communication. These tools allow learners to express themselves and navigate their day more independently, reducing frustration and increasing engagement. - App-based Communication Alternatives:
Tools such as speech-generating apps enable non-verbal learners to communicate, fostering independence and reducing frustration. - Enriched Environment with Preferred & Known Reinforcers:
By incorporating familiar and enjoyable items into the environment, learners feel more comfortable and motivated to engage. - Reduced Demands:
Lowering expectations in new or stressful situations allows learners to adapt at their own pace, creating a sense of security. - Shorter School Days:
Gradually increasing the time spent at school helps learners ease into the environment without feeling overwhelmed, reducing stress. - Daily Review & Update of Intervention Plan:
Regularly assessing the learner’s progress ensures that their needs are being met effectively, and adjustments are made to provide the most supportive environment possible. - Transparent Communication Between Parents, School Team & Intervention Team:
Maintaining open and honest communication ensures that everyone is aligned in supporting the learner. This transparency helps address concerns early, ensures consistency in interventions across environments, and fosters trust among all parties involved.
Conclusion: These strategies are compassionate and affirming because they focus on preparation, communication, and individualized support. Transition support helps ease anxiety, while visual aids and communication tools empower learners to navigate their new environment with confidence. Transparent collaboration between all stakeholders ensures a consistent and supportive experience, allowing learners to settle into school with dignity and a sense of security.