Community Outings
Participating in family events, whether they be mundane (i.e. going to grocery store or pharmacy) or novel (i.e. going on vacation, going to eat at new restaurant), are all important in maintaining healthy family dynamics. Some people with autism, may show apprehension when going to new places, which may then lead to the occurrence of problem behavior(s) in an attempt to leave or avoid the setting.
In addition, some learners with autism display the need for sameness; wherein they may only frequent very specific locations (e.g., will only eat at McDonald's or take a certain route everyday). When posed with change (e.g., eating at a new restaurant) the child may demonstrate problem behavior in protest, often leading to leaving the new restaurant. If this pattern continues, gradually, the child’s exposure to new activities, places, or events will diminish. In addition, the dynamics within the family can often become strained (i.e. siblings grow tired of eating at the same restaurants), and parents may often opt for the "divide and conquer" approach; wherein one half of the family goes to a different location while a parent and the child continue with the inflexible routine.
LC wants to ensure your child is successful in daily or weekly family events; as well as new and exciting opportunities to learn and grow. The LC staff will accompany your family to various community locations, and provide useful strategies in teaching your child to accept change and to make the experience positive for your child and other family members. In addition to teaching flexibility, we want to teach children specific skills relevant to their environment (i.e. grocery store, shopping malls, restaurants, family outings, etc.). Teaching the child how to behave, and respond in certain environments will often lead to reductions in problem behavior; simply because the child learns the expectations.
Participating in family events, whether they be mundane (i.e. going to grocery store or pharmacy) or novel (i.e. going on vacation, going to eat at new restaurant), are all important in maintaining healthy family dynamics. Some people with autism, may show apprehension when going to new places, which may then lead to the occurrence of problem behavior(s) in an attempt to leave or avoid the setting.
In addition, some learners with autism display the need for sameness; wherein they may only frequent very specific locations (e.g., will only eat at McDonald's or take a certain route everyday). When posed with change (e.g., eating at a new restaurant) the child may demonstrate problem behavior in protest, often leading to leaving the new restaurant. If this pattern continues, gradually, the child’s exposure to new activities, places, or events will diminish. In addition, the dynamics within the family can often become strained (i.e. siblings grow tired of eating at the same restaurants), and parents may often opt for the "divide and conquer" approach; wherein one half of the family goes to a different location while a parent and the child continue with the inflexible routine.
LC wants to ensure your child is successful in daily or weekly family events; as well as new and exciting opportunities to learn and grow. The LC staff will accompany your family to various community locations, and provide useful strategies in teaching your child to accept change and to make the experience positive for your child and other family members. In addition to teaching flexibility, we want to teach children specific skills relevant to their environment (i.e. grocery store, shopping malls, restaurants, family outings, etc.). Teaching the child how to behave, and respond in certain environments will often lead to reductions in problem behavior; simply because the child learns the expectations.
