The programs for children with autism using the Lovaas Model of Applied Behavior Analysis typically require a minimum of 6-12 months of teaching one to one in order to teach the child the prerequisite skills they need to take part in a group setting . How many children progress from programs based on programs teaching more advanced and complex, are gradually integrated into a group setting so that their communication and teaching procedures become less structured.

While the school setting is one of the most important group environments in which we want children to learn and grow, there are other groups that can function either as milestones to facilitate the transition of the child's environment as a school or extracurricular activities for a child already in school. Some group activities include, but are not limited to, gymnastics, soccer, music, library, zoo and museum visits.

When a child is placed in any group activities, we recommend that a tutor who follows the home program accompany the child to help ease the transition to group routines and instructions, promote generalization of skills learned at home to the new environments, and encourage interaction with other children

Below is a brief and general description of elements that characterize these activities that may help in deciding which activities your child might like it and enjoyed the most.

Gymnastics

The instructors who teach exercise classes generalmenre follow structured routines, and so provide a 'teaching environment familiar to the child. The clear structure increases the likelihood that the child is successful and is integrated in this environment. For many children, large motor activities often turn out to be very reinforcing.

Unfortunately, for children who suffer from a poorly developed muscle tone or poor conditions, the activities could be a big challenge. In addition, the area where the activity is carried out is often too large for children who have not yet learned to wait patiently in their place, this environment may take too much. For older children who have learned to expect in many situations, the exercise classes would be wonderful. Be aware that the exercises may vary in their willingness to allow an instructor to be present to assist the child.

Football

The basic levels of the sport typically do not require too much interaction. Children use their own balls, are on the field together and learn to imitate il'allenatore and others. They learn to shop and have fun.

As the sport begins to focus on the real rules of the game may move too quickly for many children and the home tutor should help the child to stand out more than in other activities ..

Music

These programs require parental involvement. When parents are well trained in child's home therapy program, these environments could provide excellent opportunities to teach the generalization of skills that the child has learned at home. In your local community, many variations may be offered a program consistent focus on music. On the painting, and other on gymnastics which provide the opportunity to choose an area in which the child is most interested in and which will benefit the most.

The disadvantage of some parents, next to shopping, could be the presence of the parents of other children, if the child's behavior is sometimes difficult may make you feel embarrassed parent. In some situations it may be helpful first to make sure the support

Library / Zoo / Museums

These visits are short, often a few days or a couple of weeks. A tutor or parent should check the child's interest in these activities before and choose the most interesting activities.

Since the visits are of short duration, the child may be able to overcome the difficulties without worry so that will be remembered by classmates in the future. On the other hand, a child may initially show more independence and progress at the time that the visits are approaching the end.

Good news, some of these visits are free.

Scouts

In some communities, children can start scouts at the age of 5 or 6 years, then, just after starting school. Scouts provide an extracurricular activity where children interagiscno with peers.

We advise parents to keep these group activities before enrolling their children, because the activities and structure depends entirely on the scout leader and his leadership style.

Oratory activities

This activity offers the child an opportunity to practice outside of what they are learning in school as circle time, graphic arts, etc.. One advantage is that for some children oratory activities are often of short duration and this may help your child be more successful. The structure and activities can vary from group to group in relation to the teaching style and experience of the educator.

Original document from the site: www.lovaas.com - Translation by: www.emergenzautismo.org