Typical causes of problem behaviors:

• child has difficulty transitioning between activities.
• child is uncomfortable not knowing what to do next.
• child has difficulty remembering the daily sequence of events.
• child has difficulty with any change.
• child cannot understand verbal explanations of what will happen next.

Some strategies to try:

• use an object to represent what will happen next for example a tooth brush for going to the bathroom to brush teeth. Keep the objects in a box (place the objects which repeat the days activities in sequenced compartment with a box).
• use an anticipation book which is a series of photos representing what is going to occur next.
• use a picture or word series of events ( a clothespin attached to where the class is in the sequence is helpful).
• prompt the child to watch and follow where the peers in the classroom are going.
• give simple verbal explanations before the change occurs such as " first wash hands, then lunch."
• use paper and a writing utensil, draw out the next activity (this provides a visual cue).