Moondog/SALT advice how best to teach about asking for help?

[debs40]

DS's IEP is a bit rubbish but teachers are happy for me to suggest strategies etc. They have not considered his inability to ask for help because they do not really understand social communication difficulties.

They are showing a willingness to learn and I wanted to suggest a way we could work on getting DS (6) to ask adults for help. I thought of a social story but wondered what else could be done.

In a relaxed or structured environment or both?

Some of the brilliant educational staff I work with have devised a system for more structured situation.
Each child has a little holder by their workplace.If they need help they put in a red card, if they are ok they put in a green one (soon to introduce an amber for ok but could do with a quick onceover).

It works really well for those who need to initiate asking for help as well as those who demand too much assistance.

Effect has been remarkable.
Is something similar feasible?

They were reluctant to do the card thing. They couldn't really see the point . These are clueless folk.

Is it better to start with something like this system and work up to actually approaching a teacher to ask a question.

Type of situation I'm thinking of is DS goes in to class in the morning and has several 'jobs' to do - putting away book bag etc. Sometimes he has to hand in homework but forgets where it goes and needs to ask teacher but won't. I have drafted a visual scehdule to deal with this and its helped but it made me realise that if we should be working towards him asking for help as there is no plan for this.

Debs, so many teacheres are (often through no fault of their own).
A lot of this stuff just needs clear thinking and a bit of imagination.
It aint rocket science.

Teachers need to learn how to hold back and prompt too (then fade prompt).
How about a
'Have you forgotten something Bebjunior?'

Does he write well?
Can he go into school each day with a discreet list of chores/errands that he ticks off when done

eg

Monday

Pay dinner money
Hand in homework
Give mr Jones history homework

??

A daily list - yes!!! great idea. I had done one list to use every day but things change - doh.

yes, he reads well and I can jazz it up with star wars pictures - he loves that

Will mention holding back to teachers too

thank you!!!

GROOVY LITTLE LIST WITH BOXES TO TICK SO IT IS CHECKED OFF.
(Oops)
You can run 'em up on computer and have them to hand for each day.
He is taking control them.
You could maybe ask a teacher to help him check his list at end of day (working towards fading that prompt out)

I used this to great effect with adult with mild LD who was going to work dirty and unwashed in smelly clothes.
He just needed the order and reminder.

Teeth check
Shower check
Clean undies check
Teeth check

Let us know how you and he get on, eh?

Will do thanks again!