ACES realizes that every family has diverse needs, concerns, and priorities and is impacted by this health crisis in different ways.As a mom of three young children, and a BCBA at ACES, Ashley Drag offers the following basic tips for your consideration; some may not be feasible for you to take on alone, but ACES is here to support you. We are just a call away. Let us be the expert, so that you can focus on delivering the love and care your family needs now more than ever.The priority for ACES right now is the safety of your children and your family. These simple strategies are intended to help you during this quarantine, if you need help, don’t hesitate to call us. We are here for you.

Adjust your Expectations

Even your clinicians at ACES are adjusting expectations and ensuring that our services are available to help “maintain” your child’s quality of life and skills that were emerging pre-COVID. As an ABA provider, we want our clients to maintain their skills and not regress during this time so that when this is over we can get back to some sense of normalcy.

Remember to Praise

Do the best you can to keep your usual family rules (Post them on the fridge) and praise specific behavior.When you notice your child cooperating, working, or generally behaving, praise them! (“Great job staying at the table while you write!”). This may help them to better understand what is expected and do that more often.[embed]https://vimeo.com/404812106/90955945d8[/embed]

Write a Simple Daily Routine

Even if it does not have a time to each activity, a simple list can go a long way to help children feel included and in control of their daily activities. For example:

1. Get dressed and eat breakfast
2. Watch TV or Play
3. Do School Work
4. Eat Lunch
5. Outside Time
6. Rest Time
7. Play Time
8. Dinner Time
9. Bath and Quiet Play
10. Go to bed

Modify your Home

Now that your children (of any age) are home all day, consider any modifications to the physical space that might reduce the likelihood of danger. If aggression, self-injury, elopement, or property destruction are possible, brainstorm with other family members as you consider the physical layout, one room at a time.Should certain rooms or exits be locked?Should sharp or dangerous items be removed for now?Are all medications and dangerous supplies locked away?Beyond safety modifications, other physical adjustments can promote calm and organization.Think about arranging areas for:

• school work
• relaxing time
• reading corner
• play area
• snack area

Spend Time Outside or Moving

If it is safe and there is no expected risk of elopement, then walks, movement breaks, and fresh air can be enjoyable ways to spend part of each day. If the weather or circumstances don’t allow for this, indoor movement breaks can be good options. Go Noodle is a great way to engage in some family fun!

Give Choices and Share Control

Behavior is information, so if your child is resisting you or “acting out” use it as information and provide choices to help redirect them to positive behavior. Choices and options can be a powerful way to give some control to your child. Meet them halfway.For younger children use a choice box when your child seems unengaged or restless, and you need to redirect their focus onto something productive. Put several different items in there each day, such as preferable fidget toys, bubbles, Play-Doh, stickers, books, or anything that might be of interest.

Prioritizing Goals and Addressing Challenging Behavior

Isolation and increased stress certainly make it difficult to address behavioral and academic goals. Be gentle with yourself as you do your best in these challenging times.You get to decide what is important during this time, ACES will follow your lead to meet your families needs.We recognize that we are in a crisis and are adjusting our expectations during this time as well. Contact us if you need support, we want to help.