As you go through the day or session with a child, please remember that generating responses takes much more energy and effort for a child with autism or another disability. They have to work much harder to do ordinary things.

• Reinforce correct responses lavishly!
• Monitor the child carefully and look for signs of fatigue or stress.
• If the child looks tired, STOP!
• Take a break.
• Tag and reinforce productive actions during break.

The goal, again, is to help the child feel safe, and to acknowledge how difficult these tasks can be for our kids with autism. And once again, with TAGteach, the break is just another opportunity to reinforce productive behaviors!

As you work with the child, monitor constantly to see that the child can happily and successfully participate in the tasks or activities set out.

You will see quickly if a demand is TOO HARD, TOO MUCH or TOO LONG, because the child will start to show stress indicators. Her brow will furrow, the breathing may become irregular, she will start to fidget, and eventually will try to escape.

As soon as you see the first facial stress indicator, STOP!

Re-assess, give the child a break, and tag for all productive actions during the break.