Self-Help FEATS Techniques

“You’re Gonna Get A Cold!” Help your child to learn which clothing is appropriate in different situations. You can use a paper doll (you can make one yourself or you can find one in a magazine that can be cut out), cut out objects from magazines that are appropriate...

“What is the Chicken Supposed To Do Before Crossing The Road?” Accompany your child to a road or street where there is no traffic light and explain that you are going to cross the street together. Before you cross, explain to your child that you must look both ways...

“Just in Case” It is very important that your child knows how to reach someone in an emergency as soon as possible.   Discuss various situations that your child would need to use an emergency number (e.g., you are in need of assistance and no one is around to...

“STAY PUT!” Bring your child to a place such as an outside playground, a friend’s house, an indoor play area. Show where your child is allowed to play and explain that he must stay in that area. Make sure that your child understands spatial locations when given...

“Family Tree” This skill becomes very important as children become more independent. If separated from you, Your child will be reunited with you much faster if your child can give your name. Help your child to understand the difference between first and last names by...

“How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You To HANG UP YOUR COAT!!?” If your child is reluctant to hang up a coat, hat, etc, he may have some difficulty remembering where the clothes go. Here’s how you can help:   Let your child help you make a name tag for the...

“CLEAN UP THIS MESS!!” Go with your child to where the toys are kept (playroom, den, basement, bedroom). Take out a variety of toys that you know he likes to play with  (e.g., blocks, cars, puzzles, paper and crayons, etc.). Encourage your child to pick out a toy to...

“Into Each Life, A Little Spill Must Fall” Your child may be resistant to help or may not know when or how to ask for help. Here are suggestions to help: When suggesting that your child help you, give the language necessary for the task. Your child may not ask for...

“DANGER-RANGER” Your child can show an understanding of dangerous objects/situations either verbally (saying Bad, hurt, ouch) or non-verbally (backing away, staying away, shaking head “no”). Collect items that are generally considered dangerous: including a knife,...

“Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk!” Allow your child to assist with household chores. Give your child a cloth, a dishtowel, or a paper towel. Physically guide your child through the motions of wiping. Model wiping up a spill. Narrate the actions as you wipe up the spill. Put...