Managing a child’s behaviour outside the home environment

This article is based on the video on supporting a child’s behaviour outside the home environment. It is part of a behaviour management workshop organised by Nayi Disha with Dr Gouri Reddy, Child Psychologist.

There are several factors that may affect a child’s behaviour including difficulty in communication and interaction, sensory sensitivities, unpredictability to name a few. The added pressure of social expectations and facing unexpected situations makes it even more difficult.

In the workshop shown in the video, Dr. Gouri Reddy talks about a few methods that can be used to support children in settings outside the home environment. 

Plan and prepare in advance

• Plan and prepare the child for the outing well in advance. Explain what is expected of them, tell them where you are going and what can be expected there. Though it is impossible to predict every single detail of the outing, a broad understanding of the situation will help the child understand what to expect.
• For example, if you are going out to the mall, explain to the child that you will be going to shop and buy some clothes. Once in the mall, the child will know what he would be doing there and what is expected of them.
• Similarly, another situation that is illustrated by Dr. Reddy is a birthday party. Explain to the child beforehand what they can expect at the party, such as what activities can be expected, what they can or cannot eat, what they can do when they feel overwhelmed or need help. 

Use clear communication

• Use simple language and clear form of communication to convey to the child about the outings and the expectations. 
• This can be done effectively by talking about the trip in advance with the children in advance by clearly laying down the sequence of activities that can be expected during the outing.
• In non-speaking children, this can be done by using visual aids such as communication boards or visual schedules. 
• Using social stories is another effective way of preparing the children for social situations. Personalise the social story to suit the purpose of the visit and of what is expected of the child.

Set clear expectations 

• Communicate with your child in advance about behaviours that help them feel safe and comfortable, and those that might be uncomfortable for others.
• Use simple, respectful language and repeat these conversations gently over time. 
• Support your child in identifying examples themselves, this builds awareness and helps them feel included and empowered. When children are involved in understanding and setting boundaries, it becomes easier for them to navigate different environments with more confidence.
• In situations that might feel overwhelming, like parks, malls or temples, offer sensory support or let your child know they can choose a calming activity once the outing is done.

Identify and address possible triggers

• While planning for an outing, try to factor in any possible stressors as much as possible. For instance, while going to a mall, identify things that might cause a sensory overload like bright lights, crowds, or any loud sounds. Prepare the child for these in advance. 
• Carry supportive sensory tools such as noise cancelling earphones. This will prevent the child from a heightened sensory response. 
• Similarly, in a birthday party, if there are certain foods that the child should avoid, make sure this is conveyed to the child in advance, by explaining to the child or by using a social story.
• Asking others to do the same, would also be helpful in not confusing the child.
• Such situations can also be improved by preparing the child to come to the parent for diet-specific food or drink as an alternative. It may help calm their nerves and hunger pangs at the appropriate time and place, thus avoiding an undesirable behavioural outcome.  
• Repeated conversations around the topic will help the child to understand and follow the expectations ensuring independent social engagement.

Follow the plan

• Once a schedule for an outing is planned, make sure that it is followed as far as possible. 
• Children with autism often have difficulty in transitions, therefore having schedules and routines will help them to cope with situations. It is therefore essential to not deviate from the plans that have been communicated to the children. 
• For instance, if the new outdoor setting for the child is a visit to the mall to buy them new clothes, then ensure only that features in the list of things to do at the mall. 
• Adding unexpected events can increase the chances of the child expressing their discontent at the sudden change of plans.

Consistency is Key

Not only ahead of an outing, but even during other times repeating the structure of an outing helps children feel safe, confident, and in control. This reduces the chances of the child being overwhelmed in new environments and prevents possible behavioural outbursts.

Positive Reinforcement

Acknowledge and appreciate the child’s efforts. Positive reinforcement encourages the child to follow the expectations and meaningfully engage in social situations. 

New and unfamiliar settings can often be unsettling for most children. Following the tips, shared by Dr. Reddy in the article might help parents identify and understand different ways of supporting a child’s behaviour outside the home environment.

The workshop videos have been split into multiple parts. You can check out the video on what is behaviour?  environment, The ABC chart, Positive and negative reinforcement, Responding to a child’s behaviour and Parent Q and A.

You may download this template of the Behaviour management ABC chart here, and use it to address your child’s behaviour differences in a context-dependent fashion.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other Intellectual Disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for proper guidance.