Episode #37 - MP The 50% Rule
Episode #37 - MP The 50% Rule
The 50% Rule
By Barbara Avila, M.S.
People learn through partnerships with others. We first learn through our parents and caregivers and then through friends, relatives, neighbors, and teachers. We observe, integrate our experiences, and determine our strengths and interests in relation to others. Many individuals with autism struggle with the basic foundations of relationships for learning through partnerships. As a result, they may take full control of a situation, or allow others to take full control, becoming passive as the other does the work in the interaction. For individuals on the spectrum, sharing control within interactions for learning can be limited. If they control the situation, they are not open to new ideas or ways of doing things. If they allow the other person to take complete control, they are passive receivers and do not learn to think for themselves.
In school programs and social skills groups for individuals on the spectrum, sharing control in
interactions is sometimes addressed, but it is limited. A common goal for someone on the spectrum
may be “Will take at least 3 turns in a game with a peer.” However, if you observe the child/individual
with autism engaged in turn taking, they are often not even looking at their partner. They take their
turn gazing primarily at the game or materials and then take a break while the other person takes
their turn. Then their partner has to say “your turn,” to get them actively participating again. This lack
of observation of one’s partner takes the relational learning out of the equation in their interactions
with peers and others. The individual with autism relies on their partner for prompting to regulate the
interaction and turn-taking.
A solution to this issue is to teach shared control through what I call “The 50% Rule.” You and your partner take 50% of the action necessary to complete a task together. You, as the guide, can always do less than 50% to support gradual independence but very rarely more than 50%, as then you are not guiding towards shared control or independence. You are simply doing most of the work. As an example, imagine teaching a child to open a jar. They may struggle a bit and then hand it to you, look away and allow you to do it for them. You could just open it but with The 50% Rule, you put your hand over the child’s hand to help them open the jar. They learn the amount of force or energy it takes to do it on their own (next time) by feeling and experiencing their actions in relation to yours. In these brief micro-moments, the person with autism experiences their own actions as they relate to yours for greater learning. It is not about the jar but about the interaction between the two of you that is key.
As with any new experience, The 50% Rule will take practice. As a person’s guide, you will need practice getting comfortable with sharing control in this physical manner. Your child or student will also need practice accepting and integrating this manner of learning. The good news is that you can integrate The 50% Rule or shared control opportunities across an endless number of different activities in a person’s life. Here are just a few examples:
- Opening a car or house door
- Brushing the dog or cat with just one brush, sharing control of the movement
- Washing a window or car with just one rag rather than two
- Carrying something heavy together, holding onto each side equally
Next: Individuals with autism will participate in all of these things, often quite willingly, but won’t sustain the interaction for any length of time. As next steps, choose activities that continue and have reason to keep going. Then support the individual in sustaining past just one moment of active participation into 5 or 10 minutes or more. Achieving shared control for at least 5-10 minutes. Practice frequently and across settings. This is the foundation of social reciprocity and where people with autism need the most practice. An amazing bonus is you will start to see the individual’s gaze shift towards you, demonstrating their enjoyment and pride in participating more fully in daily activities.
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