1. When giving directions or information, make eye contact with your child.
2. Have your child say back to you what s/he heard.
3. When giving directions, have child do it with you — don’t just tell or show.
4. Break multi-step information into small, sequential pieces — first this, then this, next this, lastly this.
   
   

Second

1. Rules and expectations must be clear and consistent.
2. Consequences for inappropriate behavior must be immediate and proportional.
3. Adults should anticipate problems and set guidelines — don’t wait for a problem to occur and then get mad.
   
   

Third

• Don’t give up if you’ve “said something ten times and s/he still doesn’t do it” but the more you talk, the less your child listens so provide reinforcement/practice without a lot of your words.
  
  

Fourth

• Switches in schedules, surprise parties, vacations without prior information are all unsettling. Talk to your child and have them help plan/anticipate changes in routine.
  
  

Lastly

• Tell them they have 2 choices — this or that — and keep it simple, but always let them know they have 2 choices.