Providing structure for children with behavioral problems

In huis

Beperk prikkels:

• Zorg voor een opgeruimde (slaap)kamer zonder veel rondslingerende spullen.
• Laat één soort speelgoed tegelijk toe; als het kind iets anders wil pakken, moet het eerste speelgoed worden opgeruimd.
• Vermijd achtergrondgeluiden zoals tv of radio.
• Voorkom onverwachte bezoekjes of uitjes.
• Houd ruimtes consistent qua indeling.

Organize stuff:

• Lay out clothes in the order they are put on.
• Organize play areas so that everything has a fixed place.
• Use each space for specific activities (e.g., play in the room, eat in the kitchen, sleep in the bedroom).

Use icon board:

• Create a daily or weekly schedule with icons so the child can see what is planned.
• Use a rug as a play area, where the child clearly knows where to play.

Fixed routines:

• Strive to do daily activities in the same order, such as the bedtime ritual (undress, wash, put on pajamas, brush teeth, etc.).

Outdoor

Communications:

• Tell the child what you will do, who will be there, why, where it will take place, how long it will take, and so on. Be open if something is not yet certain.
• Make clear what is expected of the child.

Grocery shopping:

• Let the child help by, for example, grabbing products one at a time rather than several at once.

At school

Classification:

• Choose a quiet place in the classroom, such as at the front, to reduce stimuli.
• Discuss with the teacher the same rules and structure for consistency.

Organization:

• Use different colors to cover school books, so that each compartment is a different color and the child can find his things more easily.
• Schedule a set day during the week when the child may have a playdate.

Structure in time

Time Management:

• Divide the day into manageable chunks, such as day parts or hours, using a pictogram board.
• Use a Color Clock or Time Timer so the child can see for himself how long activities take.
• Eat, sleep, play and go to school at set times for regularity.

Consistent approach

• Provide a unified approach by parents, educators and teachers so that the child experiences the same structure everywhere.
• A uniform approach helps the child understand what is expected of him or her and promotes predictability.

By providing consistent structure and communicating clear expectations, children with behavior problems can feel safer and more confident, contributing to their well-being and development.