Getting Dressed

Another video I've been meaning to make, excuse the pasta sauce on the face I took my shot when I had it! Getting dressed is one of those skills that is required every day, so why do our kids have trouble with it? As always, let's step back and think about the way we teach this skill. Using a shaping approach, provide lots of opportunities to explore and experiment with clothes in a calm environment vs a high-pressure time you actually need to be dressed! Fade in the difficulty of the motor task itself by using larger, looser clothes. Focus on the motor plan first vs getting things the right way around. It's normal to need help with that (even as an adult!). Tag and reward any step towards the end goal, whatever reward looks like for your child. At the same time notice any acheivements or actions that they themselves are proud of: long-term they need to have ownership over dressing skills and - who knows - they may find an easier way to do it! Outside of programming/teaching, when thinking about dressing in everyday life think about what type or style of clothes your child prefers to wear. There are so many great options out there now, think sensory-friendly, breathable fabrics, different textures, seam-frees, alternative fasteners. Always offer options to help your child feel empowered and heard in their world. If you want to know more, just look for @childsplayaba: https://www.pinterest.com/ChildsPlayABA/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildsPlayABA/ https://www.instagram.com/childsplayaba/?hl=en https://childsplayaba.ie/ Hope this helps, and chat soon! ☘️ Carole, Paddy, Theodore, Lilla & Moose