Holiday Success?  

Well... Goal-Plan-Do-Check

With the holiday season upon us, the activity, excitement, transitions, and stress can increase in any household.  It can be a good opportunity to teach children with special needs to use a structured, problem solving process to reach a desired goal.  With a little planning and a good strategy, we might find the season to be more peaceful and smooth. 

One of our favorite strategies from Unstuck and On Target: An Executive Functioning Curriculum to Improve Flexibility for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Cannon, Kenworthy, Alexander, Werner, and Anthony, 2011) is the process of using Goal-Plan-Do-Check (GPDC).   

What are the possible hot spot areas this time of year for the child?  Can the child be supported in creating an overall goal and action plan to reach it?  Perhaps with more visitors in the home (thus more noise, unpredictability and social expectations) the goal is to share time with a grandparent during an upcoming celebration.  Perhaps gift exchange brings in expectations, perseveration and again..too much stimulation.  What are those areas you might predict to be difficult for the child at this time of year? 

Let's review how the GPDC procedure might work:

Goal- Help the child create a goal related to something they need or want to do.  It should be attainable and specific, for example spending time with a grandparent when s/he visits or showing appreciation for gifts received, even if they are not the "perfect" ones.  

Plan-  Help the child plan the "how" details.  Create small steps and put them in writing when feasible (e.g., greet grandparent with a smile and hug, ask about their day, offer to share a game or story together once they settle in).  Alternatively the plan for appreciating a gift could include smiling and saying thank you, avoiding comments on the desired item if not received, and planning to purchase the other item later.  Include at least 2 plans for the goal. 

Do- Put the plan into action!  

Check-  Did the plan work?  Help the child consider if the plan should be revised or another plan developed (Plan B, C, D...)?  How will we know if it worked?  Have the child detect (self-monitor) if the plan should be changed.

As noted by the book authors, if the steps to achieve the goal don't end in success, the focus should not be on the child's inadequacy but on the need for a different plan!   We wish you success in your efforts and a peaceful holiday season!