Resources to Support Challenging Child Behavior

My son screams in the grocery store and everyone stares. I barely make it through the store, what can I do?

I am a long-term sub right now in a special education class. The teacher I have been covering for is out due to a serious illness. I am attempting to put together a presentation/information about anticipatory grief to help ease the anxiety the situation has created for the students. 3 students in the class have autism and I thought there might be a social story or other resources on your site to help with this issue. Can you share any resources on helping children cope with grief?

The Watson Institute has received a number of questions from parents searching for resources to teach their child how to complete various tasks with greater independence or how to set routines for their child. For example, one parent noted that her daughter had difficulty staying focused while getting ready for bed in the evenings. She was looking for a resource to help her stay focused and be more independent. Another parent asked about teaching their son to brush his teeth before bedtime and incorporate that into his daily morning and evening routines.

We’ve also heard from educators looking for ways to support their students with exceptionalities who may have difficulty following along during activities or particular classes.

My child has a very difficult time going to family-style restaurants. In particular, he has difficulty sitting and waiting quietly, eating neatly, and interacting with the waiter or waitress. How can I help my child learn to be more appropriate in this setting?

I often hear about children having a limited number of foods they will eat. My son is starting to have some problems during meals. Are there some things I can do before I start having eating issues?

I am a Life Skills teacher and have a 2nd grade student with autism who will often blow out “boogies” without getting a tissue. He will do this several times a day and it often soils the table or other classroom items. Do you have any ideas of how to stop this somewhat gross behavior? He does have the ability to get a tissue and blow his nose as we have taught the behavior and he has demonstrated that he can do it with both a verbal or picture prompt on occasion.

I have a new student who will not sit in his assigned cafeteria seat. He wanders away and I’m afraid he may leave the cafeteria. What can I do to make him stay where he should and avoid a melt-down.

There’s a student in my class who has difficulty whenever I have to deny or postpone one of his requests – like waiting to use the computer, or wanting to read the newest book in our classroom library. How can I help him understand that he’ll get the chance to do what he wants, but that he’ll need to wait awhile before he gets his wish?

I have a bright student in my math class. She knows much of the work and when we start the workbook pages she wants to keep working ahead. If I make her wait or stop her from continuing the back side she will tantrum. What can I do to make her follow along with the class?

Sometimes I’m not sure if one of my students is paying attention. What can I do to ensure they are following the topic of the lecture?