Mia is a sweet and imaginative girl who loves drawing and playing with her dolls. She lives with her parents and older sister. Mia has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and experiences significant anxiety around transitions and sensory processing.
Presenting Issues:
- Transition Meltdowns: Moving from one activity to another, especially from home to school or from play to bath time, often triggers intense emotional outbursts lasting up to 45 minutes.
- Morning Routine Refusal: The morning rush was a major source of stress, with Mia frequently refusing to get dressed, brush her teeth, or eat breakfast, leading to lateness and family tension.
- Sensory Overload: Loud noises and busy environments (like the supermarket or school assembly) caused Mia to shut down or become aggressive as a defense mechanism.
The Challenge
Mia’s family engaged daar to develop a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan that wasn't just about therapy sessions, but about weaving support into the fabric of their daily lives.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Visual Schedules & Cues: We introduced a colourful, Velcro-based visual schedule for the morning and evening routines. This gave Mia a clear roadmap of what to expect, reducing her anxiety. We also used "First/Then" boards (e.g., "First brush teeth, Then iPad time") to motivate her through difficult tasks.
- Teachable Moments: We coached Mia’s parents to identify "teachable moments" in everyday life. For example, during a calm moment at the park, they practiced deep breathing techniques so Mia would know how to use them when she felt overwhelmed.
- Sensory Regulation: We integrated sensory breaks into her day. Before a challenging transition (like leaving for school), Mia would do 5 minutes of "heavy work" (like carrying a backpack or pushing a wall) to regulate her nervous system.
- Positive Reinforcement: We set up a "Star Jar" system. Mia earned a star for every smooth transition or completed routine step. When the jar was full, the whole family earned a reward, like a movie night, fostering a sense of team achievement.
- School Collaboration: We worked with Mia’s teacher to implement a similar visual schedule in the classroom and created a "quiet corner" where Mia could retreat if she felt sensory overload, giving her a sense of control.
We used to dread the mornings. It was a battleground. Now, Mia checks her schedule, does her tasks, and high-fives us. It’s not just easier; it’s joyful. We have our family back.
daar Therapy Approach
Mia’s family engaged daar to develop a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan that wasn't just about therapy sessions, but about weaving support into the fabric of their daily lives.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Visual Schedules & Cues: We introduced a colourful, Velcro-based visual schedule for the morning and evening routines. This gave Mia a clear roadmap of what to expect, reducing her anxiety. We also used "First/Then" boards (e.g., "First brush teeth, Then iPad time") to motivate her through difficult tasks.
- Teachable Moments: We coached Mia’s parents to identify "teachable moments" in everyday life. For example, during a calm moment at the park, they practiced deep breathing techniques so Mia would know how to use them when she felt overwhelmed.
- Sensory Regulation: We integrated sensory breaks into her day. Before a challenging transition (like leaving for school), Mia would do 5 minutes of "heavy work" (like carrying a backpack or pushing a wall) to regulate her nervous system.
- Positive Reinforcement: We set up a "Star Jar" system. Mia earned a star for every smooth transition or completed routine step. When the jar was full, the whole family earned a reward, like a movie night, fostering a sense of team achievement.
- School Collaboration: We worked with Mia’s teacher to implement a similar visual schedule in the classroom and created a "quiet corner" where Mia could retreat if she felt sensory overload, giving her a sense of control.
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Results and Progress
By integrating support into everyday routines, the "therapy" didn't feel like work—it just became a new, more positive way of living. The consistency across home and school created a safety net for Mia.
Measurable Improvements:
- Meltdown Reduction: The duration of transition-related meltdowns decreased by 90%, from 45 minutes to under 5 minutes, and they now occur rarely.
- Morning Independence: Mia now completes 80% of her morning routine independently using her visual schedule, without constant verbal prompting.
- School Participation: Mia is participating in group activities 100% of the time and uses her "quiet corner" independently when she needs a break, rather than hiding or crying.
- Family Well-being: The family reports a significant reduction in stress levels. They have even started going on weekend outings again, something they hadn't done in over a year.
Key Outcomes
Mia’s success story highlights the power of integrating behaviour support into the daily rhythm of life.
- Predictability Creates Peace: Visual schedules and consistent routines removed the fear of the unknown for Mia, allowing her to relax and learn.
- Empowerment: Mia is no longer a passive recipient of care; she is an active participant in her own day, taking pride in her independence.
- Holistic Growth: The improvements aren't just behavioural; they are social and emotional. Mia is happier, more confident, and more connected to her family and peers.
reduction in meltdown duration
independent completion of morning routine
participation in school group activities
Conclusion
Behaviour support isn't something that happens in a clinic for one hour a week; it happens at the breakfast table, in the classroom, and at the park. By integrating positive behaviour support into everyday routines, we can help children like Mia navigate the world with confidence. daar is here to help you build those routines and find that balance.
If you want to turn daily struggles into opportunities for growth, let's talk.
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Contact daar today to learn how our tailored behaviour support plans can fit seamlessly into your family's life.
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