Supporting Your Child at Home

Home is where your child spends most of their time, so small, consistent changes there can make a big difference. You don’t need to be a therapist to help—just a caring adult with a few simple tools.

1. Build predictable routines

   1. Use the same order for common parts of the day (morning, after school, bedtime).

   2. Consider visual supports: pictures, simple checklists, or a whiteboard schedule.

   3. Give warnings before transitions: “In 5 minutes, we’re turning off the tablet and getting ready for dinner.”

2. Give clear, simple instructions

   1. Use short, concrete phrases: “Shoes on, please” instead of “Can you get ready?”

   2. Say what to do, not just what not to do: “Hands on the table” instead of “Stop touching that.”

   3. Check for understanding and give time to respond.

3. Catch and praise the positives

   1. Notice small wins: “I love how you put your toys away,” “Thank you for using your words.”

   2. Be specific so your child knows what they did well.

   3. Pair praise with something your child enjoys when you’re teaching a new or hard skill.

4. Make learning feel like play

   1. Embed practice into everyday activities:

      1. Cooking: counting, following steps, naming items.

      2. Playtime: turn-taking, waiting, sharing, flexible thinking.

      3. Outings: practicing safety rules, greetings, and choices.

   2. Follow your child’s interests—favorite characters, games, or topics can be powerful motivators.

5. Support emotional regulation

   1. Help your child notice and name feelings: “You look frustrated,” “That was surprising.”

   2. Practice calming tools when they’re already calm: deep breaths, squeezing a pillow, a quiet corner, or movement breaks.

   3. Model regulation yourself: “I’m feeling stressed, so I’m going to take three deep breaths.”