Characteristics

• Same as toddlers plus
• Impulsive, unpredictable and mischievous
• Lack of ability to make and keep friends on their own – often isolated and lonely
• Desperate for stimulation and excitement to keep them happy
• Emotionally volatile and often exhibit wide mood swings
• Often disconnected from their own feelings and unable to identify why they have behaved in a certain manner
• Void of natural empathy for others
• May struggle to master basic skills in literacy and numeracy

Intervention & Management

Set the environment–

• Keep the same routines everyday – no surprises!
• Change in seasons may affect children – allow them time to adjust
• Use visual reinforcements for daily activities – pictures to show daily schedule
• Check that routines are carried out
• Use labels or pictures on shelves and drawers to show what goes where
• When changing routines – warn ahead – remind – state the action – act on it.

Sleep/Getting Up

• Allow time to settle - review day, discuss tomorrow to reduce anxiety
• May need to use alarm on door if they wander or run away
• Try to keep same sleep and wake routines during weekends and holidays
• Start each day as a new day – give up on what happened yesterday
• Avoid conflicts or rushing in the morning as this will have negative affect on whole day
• Use same morning routine ever day - get things ready for next day before going to bed –

General

• If clothing is an issue stop fighting and try and work out what is going on – remember sensory issues – tags, rough material etc
• Be sure you have eye contact before giving instructions or warnings
• Be punctual about picking up from school and don’t stop for groceries on the way home
• Avoid over stimulation
• Give warnings about changes in routines but not too far in advance
• Avoid visual and auditory stimulation at mealtimes
• Be aware of food sensitivities and the affect they might be having on behaviour
• Screen friends and family – teach stranger danger
• Direct supervision 24/7 to stop bad things before they happen
• Be firm and flexible when needed – give limited choices – lots of repetition for rules
• Make sure teachers are educated about interventions and management