SECTION XXVII: PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Therapist’s Overview
KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT
GOALS OF THE EXERCISE
1. To establish a daily routine for a child experiencing a pervasive developmental disorder.
2. To provide structure and security for the child.
ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER
• Charting Our Course Page 58
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH THE CLIENT
Children with pervasive developmental disorders require a great deal of structure and consistency in their daily life. When change occurs (even in transitioning from one activity to another), problems of acting-out behavior such as yelling, screaming, and/or hitting can occur. In order to reduce the frequency of such behaviors, it is helpful to design a daily routine. It is also helpful to include visual aids so that the child can see himself/herself doing each activity.
EXERCISE XXVII.A
KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT
FOR THE PARENTS OF A CHILD WITH A PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER
A child with a pervasive developmental disorder requires a great deal of structure and consistency in his/her daily life. When change occurs (even in transitioning from one activity to another), problems of acting-out behavior such as yelling, screaming, and/or hitting can occur. In order to reduce the frequency of such behaviors it is helpful to design a daily routine. It is also helpful to include visual aids so that your child can see himself or herself doing each activity. The following activity will help you get started toward creating a daily routine.
1. Make a chart identifying the activities your child generally engages in, and the corresponding times. For example:
| Monday |
|---|
| 7:45 | Wakes up |
| 8:00 | Gets dressed |
| 8:15 | Eats breakfast |
| 8:45 | Takes bus to school |
2. Next to each activity and time, put a photograph of your child doing that activity. Or, have your child draw a picture of him or herself doing that activity.