Strengths-Based Approach

Today’s newsletter is all about STRENGTHS!

An important part of our model at Kids Uncomplicated includes using a strengths-based approach. For every one of us, doing what we do best can lead to high levels of engagement and productivity. This approach presumes competence, acknowledging that “all individuals have the ability to learn, to communicate, to participate in their own way… [and] respect[s] the value of human diversity” (Autism Women’s Network). 

Everyone has many strengths but what does this approach mean for your family and your child’s goals? A strengths-based approach allows families and their KU team to work together to determine the best strategies that will lead to meaningful outcomes. These strategies are based off the unique strengths of your child, as well as your family as a whole. We always ask about your child’s strengths and motivators so we can collaborate to build off these strengths and achieve your goals!

Celebrating Strengths

An example of the benefits of a strength-based approach comes from one of our KU families! This mom is home schooling her 8-year-old son. His strengths are reading, math and his visual memory. He loves learning but typically only learning what is most interesting and appealing to him. His mom has found a way to teach many subjects that are based on his interests and his strengths. He will even help create the schedule for the day! Here are just some examples of how mom creates a strength-based learning environment for her son:

• This young man loves being outside during nicer weather so mom make sure to prepare lesson plans about the environment, safety outside, a project about plants and more. This engages him and he learns so much! Many different topics can be taught while enjoying the outdoors!
• Some days he prefers reading over math so mom will prepare a lesson plan that involves different reading materials to help him learn best. 

Building off strengths during daily routines

Today we’ve uploaded a resource which provides examples of daily schedule checklists and how you can break your daily routines and activities into smaller steps. Consider fostering new skills, independence and participation in daily routines by building off these strengths. For example, if your child has a great visual memory or responds best with visual cues, consider incorporating visual schedules and other visual cues into these routines. If your child is skilled in sorting tasks, try involving them in those steps of the routine. If your child loves and is motivated by music, try playing some favourite tunes while completing some chores or routines around the house. This resource also references “backward chaining” so we’ve included the backward chaining tip sheet from a previous newsletter for a reminder.

If you ever have questions about how to build off your child’s strengths and skills to help achieve new goals, your team is here to help!