In reflecting on my years working with students on the Autism Spectrum, the acronym CPR is useful for teachers, parents, and caregivers. When we keep Consistency, Predictability, and Routine (CPR) in mind during the daily and weekly planning, it helps lessen the likelihood of chaos, confusion, and emotional blow-ups for our kids on the Autism Spectrum.
There's a specific addition we want to emphasize with Predictability. When helping our kids predict how something will go in the future, it helps to role play or rehearse what will occur prior to it actually happening. This strategy should lessen the likelihood of meltdowns or stress in our kids during the actual event or gathering (obviously, right?). A few specific CPR ideas:
1. Consistency--Daily schedules that allow for family meals without technology interruptions. Or a teaching example of starting every class with a written/typed warm up, written on the board in the same place each class, worth the same amount of points.
2. Predictability--Before flying on a plane, discussing the drive to the airport, parking the car, the airport terminal, boarding the plane, location of the bathroom on the plane, sounds/smells/view when in a plane...then actually going to the airport a week or more beforehand...and rehearsing the actions and stimulus you expect to occur during the trip, as well as what to do when something goes wrong or feels different/new.
3. Routine--A weekly family meeting scheduled Sunday night to discuss what went well from the past week, what we as a family can do to work together more effectively, and what events are coming up during the next week. This can include going over the weekly calendar, planning grocery needs, or sharing compliments with siblings. A note on routine--something to revisit especially for younger kids is what to do when routines don't go as planned; what does flexibility look like for us as a family when the unexpected occurs?
CPR is a tool for us caregivers when sharing our love and caring for our kids on the Autism Spectrum. Find a way to integrate this tidbit into your toolbox, and good luck!
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