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Therapist Tip of the Week: Make the Hardest Part of the Day More Predictable

Discover how therapists can reduce challenging behavior by making difficult routines and transitions more predictable for neurodiverse children during the busy fall season.

Kaarin Anderson-Ryan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Kaarin Anderson-Ryan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
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Try this!

Find the one routine, transition, or time of day when challenging behavior is most likely to occur. Then add one or two supports to make that time more predictable - consider things like visual schedules, first-then statements, or a secret signal to warn of upcoming transitions.

Ask yourself: “What is the hardest part of this child's day right now?”

Choose one predictable support to add before that difficult time. Encourage classroom teachers and parents to use it consistently for the week and observe whether the child's behavior in those situations improves.

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