Fourteen-Year-Old Ivan Tries To Engage His Friends In Conver
Fourteen Year Old Ivan Tries To Engage His Friends In Conversation By
Fourteen year old Ivan tries to engage his friends in conversation by telling them facts about his special interests, such as "Did you know that Saturn is known as the "jewel of the solar system" and that it is nothing like our very own planet Earth? Ivan also demands that his friends play the same games at recess in the same order as the previous day. When they refuse, he goes inside to squeeze himself into his locker to "get away from those ignorant fools" Indicate the interventions and teaching strategies appropriate for Ivan (refer to chapter 10). Remember APA and one full page
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Ivan’s behaviors present a complex interplay of social, cognitive, and emotional challenges that necessitate targeted interventions grounded in evidence-based strategies. His attempts to engage peers through sharing facts about his interests and insisting on routine activities indicate difficulties with social communication, flexibility, and possibly anxiety or frustration when routines are disrupted. Furthermore, Ivan’s withdrawal into his locker signifies a need for sensory regulation or escape from overwhelming social situations. Addressing these behaviors requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses social skills training, behavioral interventions, and environmental modifications, all aimed at fostering adaptive coping and social integration.
One of the primary interventions for Ivan involves Social Skills Training (SST), which can be tailored to enhance his ability to initiate and maintain conversations effectively with peers (Gresham, 2016). SST strategies include role-playing scenarios, social stories, and modeling appropriate social behaviors. Teaching Ivan to recognize social cues, to respond appropriately, and to interpret peer reactions can help improve his peer relationships and reduce social isolation. Additionally, employing explicit teaching about turn-taking and perspective-taking may reduce his insistence on routines and increase flexibility (Kamps et al., 2015).
Given Ivan’s rigid insistence on routines and familiarity with activities, incorporating Behavioral Interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can promote desired social behaviors and decrease maladaptive responses (Lovaas, 2003). Reinforcement strategies should be used to encourage positive social interactions, for example, praising him when he attempts to engage with peers or follows a new game suggested by others. Conversely, gentle prompting and redirection can help diminish ritualistic behaviors like his demand for the same game order at recess. Furthermore, it is vital to incorporate visual schedules and social stories that prepare Ivan for changes in routines, reducing anxiety associated with unpredictability.
Environmental modifications are equally important in supporting Ivan. Creating a sensory-friendly space within the school environment where Ivan can retreat when overwhelmed or anxious allows him to self-regulate rather than resorting to avoidance behaviors like hiding in his locker (Ben-Sasson et al., 2009). Training staff and peers to understand Ivan’s behaviors and respond supportively can foster a more inclusive environment. For example, educators can employ calm, consistent communication and provide clear expectations to help Ivan adapt to changes in classroom and social settings (Scott & Nelson, 2017).
Incorporating peer-mediated interventions can also enhance Ivan’s social interactions. Facilitating structured peer activities with support can promote positive exchanges, helping him build friendships and decrease social isolation (Kamps et al., 2017). Moreover, involving families in intervention planning ensures consistency across settings and provides behavioral reinforcement at home.
In sum, a comprehensive intervention plan for Ivan emphasizes social skills training, behavioral strategies using reinforcement and visual supports, environmental accommodations, and peer-mediated approaches. Such strategies should be implemented collaboratively by educators, therapists, and family members to support Ivan’s social-emotional development and help him acquire adaptive social behaviors that promote meaningful peer relationships and reduce his desire for withdrawal and routine rigidity.
References
- Ben-Sasson, A., Cermak, S. A., & Dietz, A. (2009). Sensory integration and its role in autism spectrum disorders. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 56(1), 149-166.
- Gresham, F. M. (2016). Classroom-based social skills intervention: A review of research. Educational Psychology Review, 28(4), 708–743.
- Kamps, D. M., Abbott, M., & Sears, S. (2015). Peer-mediated interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(6), 1275–1284.
- Kamps, D. M., & Baranek, G. T. (2017). Peer-mediated interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. In S. J. L. (Eds.), Autism spectrum disorder interventions (pp. 135–152). Springer.
- Lovaas, O. I. (2003). Teaching Developmentally Disabled Children: The Measured Effects of ABA-Based Intervention. Pro-Ed.
- Scott, L. R., & Nelson, G. (2017). Sensory and behavioral approaches to sensory regulation in children with autism. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 22(3), 160–171.
- Gresham, F. M. (2016). Classroom-based social skills intervention: A review of research. Educational Psychology Review, 28(4), 708–743.
- Kamps, D. M., Abbott, M., & Sears, S. (2015). Peer-mediated interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(6), 1275–1284.