So much learning

I don't think we truly appreciate how much children learn all the time. When children start to learn words, they learn fast. At 18 months a child learns 20-40 words a day. Children also learn to listen to multiple step instructions like "come here, take this, and put it in the trash". That's three steps in one. There is a lot going on there. Children also learn object permanence, which is that objects don't disappear when hidden. For example, a toy does not disappear if it is put under a blanket. Another example is covering your face with your hands and removing them in order to play peek-a-boo. So although peek-a-boo is adorable and fun it's actually a sign that a child has not reached a certain stage of development. That doesn't mean that you can't have fun playing peek-a-boo in the mean time. Children learn so much all the time. Even potty training is an example of extensive learning. Kids first learn that they need to recognize that they should go to the bathroom, then go to the bathroom. Next they need to pull down their pants and sit on the toilet for some time. (If you are currently potty training, it helps to sing a song or book to prevent boredom; some kids even laugh). The amazing thing is that we expect children to be able to do all of this at such a young age.

This is all amazing when you look at it from a neuro-typical child. However, children with autism typically don't have the same amazing milestones that typical children have. As a result, I think it is super important to break down all of these steps and to realize how much learning goes on all the time. Fortunately for me and my clients, I think the Discrete Trial Training (DTT) method really helps to break it down. Children match one object with another. Children start following instructions. Children become more flexible with behaviors. Children begin to communicate. Children learn to jump, stretch and walk up stairs. Children learn to be patient. Children learn to share experiences and even initiate sharing those experiences. Children begin to take turns and share. Children complete activities or increase focus on activities. Children learn to use silverware. Children begin to imitate. When you take the time to break down the learning process into all the little details, the learning process for a children with autism can be just as amazing, if not more rewarding. Even if it takes ten years for a child to learn to clap, that clap can mean a connection to a child. That small connection of giving a correct response one time means that we are bridging the gap between the child's world and our world. To think we could have access to the world in which every child with autism functions, the possibilities for change and creativity seem plentiful. We should all appreciate learning in all its forms.