Lesson COG 6
Task: Allow physical prompting.
Prerequisites: No.
Concept: This particular skill serves as a prerequisite for many tasks within this pro-gram. For some students, the ability to allow themselves to be physically guided can present significant difficulty. The key term for this problem is tactile defensiveness. The concept behind this sample lesson is one of desensitization. In addition, some students, especially those who have autism, can find a light touch to be on offensive but a firm touch to be acceptable. It is best to begin the process where fewer nerve endings are present, such as on a shoulder, arm, or leg. Areas such as the lips and fingers should be avoided initially. The behavioral objective loses some objective content by requiring "minimal resistance. "To give this a point of reference, the intended outcome is for the student to allow the movement without pulling back or showing resistance to the instructor's efforts. The student should not be forced to perform the task. Behavioral Objective: The student will allow himself or herself to be physically guided through the process of raising and lowering his or her arms, with minimal resistance, to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials.
Materials: Objects of interest to the student.
Task Analysis:
1. Show the student the objects obtained from the materials section and verify that he or she appears to be interested in them.
2. Gently place your hand on the student's shoulder. If resistance is noted, try again later with a firmer touch. Continue until the student will allow his or her shoulder to be touched without an apparent negative reaction.
3. Modify Step 2 to touching the upper arm.
4. Modify Step 3 to touching the lower part of the arm.
5. Continue Step 4, using a gripping action instead of a much.
6. Gripping the lower part of the arm in the middle, but slightly toward the wrist, attempt to raise the arm about 6 inches and then gently lower it back to the original position. Talk to the student to be certain that he or she understands what you are going to do.
7. Continue Step 6, moving the arm all the way over the head, much like raising the hand when answering a question by a student.
8. Add the other arm to the process, guiding the student in raising his or her arms over the head and then back down. Use lots of verbal praise. Continue until the objective is met.