FirstPathAutism Lesson Guide 3 Following Instructions
FirstPathAutism Lesson Guide 3 Following Instructions
3. Following Instructions
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Overview
Teach
1. Deliver the instruction using as few words as possible (i.e., clear and direct).
2. Wait 3-5 seconds for child to respond
3. Provide feedback on how the child responded:
Correct response: enthusiastic praise and/or deliver reward
Incorrect or No response: corrective feedback, prompt correct response
4. Write down data.
5. Begin again at step 1.
Examples include:
Child: (turns body around) Child: (sits down in chair) Child: no response
Teacher: “Good job!” and delivers Teacher: “No. This is ‘Turn around.’” Teacher: “No. I said, ‘Turn around.’”
reward (while assisting/prompting child to (assists/prompts child to turn body
turn body around) around)
(NOTE: This area has a lot of flexibility based on the child and what his/her needs
are within the home and learning environment. The targets suggested are some
that are general and will assist most children; they may be altered and added to as
needed. In addition, this area can/may overlap with the first few targets of the
“Cooperation” lesson.)
1-step instructions:
1. Come here
2. Sit down
3. Stand up
4. Give me a hug
5. Clap hands
6. Stomp feet
7. Turn around
9. Take a drink
At first, combine previous mastered targets (e.g., “sit down and stomp feet”; “stand
up and turn around”). Then, introduce new targets as well.
At first, instructions should be delivered at the table, in one location. After the child
has mastered a few 1-step instructions at the table, s/he may be ready to follow
instructions that require traveling a short distance, such as across the room (e.g., “Go
(NOTE: After 1-step instructions are mastered, the parent/teacher will need to do
some evaluation of which next step is the best: either 2 and 3 step instructions or
travel-required instructions. It can go either way, and neither is more correct than
the other; it is simply based on what is achievable and functional for the child.
Eventually, both of these targets will be combined together, but initially only one
new variable should be introduced at a time: either multi-step instructions or
traveling. )