APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
As a parent and caregiver, remember that you see your child
the most. That being said, you have a lot of power in what your
child does. Therefore, think of your role as a parent or caregiver
resembling that of a teacher. Use a difficult moment as
a teaching opportunity.
6. Diploma represents Teaching Moments
As a parent and caregiver, remember that you
see your child the most. That being said, you
have a lot of power in what your child does.
Therefore, think of your role as a parent or
caregiver resembling that of a teacher. Use a
difficult moment as a teaching opportunity.
Remember that your child is there to learn
from others, especially you. That diploma can
resemble the end goal that they are trying to
meet. When certain behaviors or situations
come up that your mind is telling you to avoid
because it may be too difficult, remember the
diploma. What do you see for your child in five,
10, 15 years? Can this teaching opportunity
help you and your child get closer to that goal?
7. A Candle represents Present Moment Aware-
ness and Non-Judgmental Thoughts
A candle is a calm and relaxing object that can
provide a sense of relaxation when lit. When we
go about our day-to-day, it is difficult to stay
calm and relaxed. Therefore, to create a sense
of awareness and a non-judgment reaction,
we can use strategies to practice being calm.
Rather than dwell on the fact that you have a
negative thought, accept that your thoughts
are just that and should not get in the way of
fully engaging in interactions with your chil-
dren
8. Dominos represents Consequences
If you place ten dominos next to each other,
they remain still. However, if you push the first
domino, what will happen? It will fall onto the
next one. A domino is like a sequence in a set
of events. Remember that one influences the
other. How we react to a situation will affect
the next. Throughout the day, parents and
caregivers might be juggling different tasks to
be completed; therefore, bringing your atten-
tion back to the domino can create a sense of
focus to how your child might be seeing you
react to an unexpected situation.
9. A Tree represents Breathing Exercises
A tree provides the world with oxygen. And just
like the trees all around us, oxygen can be our
best friend. When having these difficult mo-
ments, implement a simple breathing strategy
to focus your reaction and/or thoughts on the
breathing. This will take the focus away from
the negative and allow you to regain calmness.
The breathing exercise (which might be just
a simple three-or five-second breath in and
out) can create a time-delay before reacting
to some things, which might give a figurative
cushion.
Miguel Flores’s, MS, BCBA, passion for
working with families began during
an internship that fostered social and
learning opportunities to children of
varied backgrounds. Miguel continued
to develop his interest in the science of
human behavior and went on to obtain his MS in ap-
plied behavior analysis. As part of his requirements,
Miguel completed a thesis study geared at teaching
children diagnosed with autism the use of self-man-
agement to reduce repetitive behaviors. Miguel
holds a position as a behavior analyst consultant for
a regional center, teaching behavioral concepts to
families and coordinating behavioral support. In ad-
dition to his job, he works as an instructor, teaching
practicum courses to master’s-level students in pur-
suit of their degree in behavior analysis. Miguel’s per-
sonal interests include running, yoga, and the use/
practice of mindfulness techniques to maximize his
life. Miguel has a passion for behavior analysis and
helping out families who need support in creating
meaningful changes in their lives.
Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 87 |
45