Strategies for Escape:

• Pair the unwanted task with a fun activity (sing their favorite song, let them hold a loved item, etc)

• Show & Model what your child SHOULD do.

• Break the task into smaller steps

• Offer a choice of activity

• Use visuals/pictures to show child the order of events

• Read books about the unwanted task (going to the doctor, brushing teeth, playing with others, etc)

• Shorten the length of the task and increase the duration over time (i.e. Child doesn't enjoy sitting at the dinner table- start with 2-3 minutes. move up to 5, then 10, then 15, before staying for the duration of a meal). 

• Do an easier task first, then do the more difficult task. 

• Start happy and end happy- Do an activity your child really enjoys before and after the unwanted task so that your child begins and ends the time in a better mood. (tickle games, pointing to body parts, doing a finger play are all great ideas). We want to avoid ending activities with the child being upset, screaming, or crying. Ending on a bad note leads to encouraging unwanted behaviors ( i.e "I cry/scream and parent will let me leave the activity.")

• Teach new skills- how to ask for a break, ask for help with the activity, sign "all done", or chosing the order of tasks can all be helpful. If your child requests a break- we should take it and come back to the activity.  Giving a choice of the order of task can be helpful (i.e. "will we brush your teeth first or brush hair first?") You can also let the child choose who will do the activity (i.e. "Will you brush your hair or will I brush your hair?") It is better to let a child do a task they will do (not-so-well) than to not do the task at all.