VODcast: Snail Rule
Although we do not intend to be impatient, most parents, teachers, therapists, and others interested in the wellbeing of individuals with autism are guilty of ignoring the SNAIL RULE i.e. slow, irregular progress is a reality in the world of autism.
If a youngster with autism screams for 30 minutes after taking a bath, we want them to drop to zero minutes of screaming the next night, requiring an unreasonable 100% improvement. Actually, we should celebrate when she only screams 29 minutes the following night. At that rate, bath time will be calm and scream-free in just one month. But, in reality, it is very difficult to find anything good in a child screaming for 29 minutes.
If you are an organized family, you could chart the progress, making note of any improvements. But, again, reality usually dictates that we just try to survive the day without throwing in the towel. So, maybe the best strategy is to follow the Snail Rule: “Slow, irregular progress is a reality in the world of autism.”
The “Snail Rule” is a win-win strategy for everyone involved: (1) we learn to recognize tiny bits of progress, and (2) we learn to encourage any step forward, and (3) we develop patience that disregards time.
It can be difficult to celebrate when a youngster screams 29 minutes after taking a bath, but, when the “Snail Rule” is applied, we can learn to be thankful for the small things in life.
We welcome your ideas and your experiences with your friend with autism, good or bad. Just click on the comments button or send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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