With cold and flu season upon us, it’s important for parents and providers to remember that even children need sick days.

Parents of children on the Autism Spectrum know the importance of consistency in their child’s daily schedules, and those receiving ABA services know that every hour of therapy is another step closer to acquiring new skills.

Providers know this too. They also know how difficult it can be to reschedule a session given everyone’s busy schedules.

Parents and providers alike need to remember that illness is a setting event for instructional responding, or lack of correct responding (as well as inappropriate behaviors). A student may be likely to exhibit higher rates of inappropriate behaviors due to illness. Behavior intervention plans do not work as well when children are sick.  

So, don’t feel that it is inappropriate to call off an instructional session due to suspected or obvious illness. Instead, allow the child to rest, and reschedule at a time when he or she is feeling good and ready to learn!