Offer Frequent Breaks

• Regulating breaks serve a different purpose than earned reinforcers or rewards.

• Your child will benefit from frequent breaks away from the work environment to regulate their body.

• Depending on your child, these types of breaks should occur multiple times in the morning and afternoon.

• If you child is having a more challenging day, increase the number of breaks.

• Offer choices for breaks.

Movement Breaks

• Movement breaks support your child’s ability to focus and relieve stress and anxiety.

• A quick 3-5 minute movement break can help a student stay focused on work after multiple table top activities.

• Movement breaks can include: a walk, Go Noodle or Cosmic Yoga.

Calming Breaks

• Calming breaks support your child’s ability to calm their body down. Calming breaks are helpful after over stimulating activities or if a child is mad or upset.

• Dim the lights, put on calming music.

• Strategies can include: giving your child a hug, deep breaths, rock in a rocking chair, weighted blanket, or sensory bin.

Reinforcer/Reward Breaks

• Reinforcer or reward breaks are earned by your child for completing work or a task demand.

• Reinforcer or reward break options should be presented to your child prior to presenting work or a task demand.

• These break choices should be fun activities or items that are extremely motivating for your child.

• Reinforcer or reward breaks should last between 3-5 minutes, depending on the activity or item selected.

Written By: Megan Keating, MA, BCBA, CAS; Autism Behavior Specialist