Teach a developmentally challenged person to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate social responses. Researchers publishing in a 1992 edition of the “Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis” had four developmentally challenged children participate in training sessions where they were asked to make a choice between an appropriate and an inappropriate social response. Correct responses were rewarded with favorite foods and positive social cues such as smiling. Lessons were conducted in home, school and community settings. The children were taught to self-monitor their responses by evaluating the appropriateness of their own answers following each training session. Over time, this multipronged approach led to more appropriate social responses in the community.
Structure the environment to promote social interaction. Make the environment as predictable as possible to ease anxiety. More structured activities provide less need for direct adult intervention facilitating a more natural social environment. Ask developmentally challenged persons in the group what activities they prefer and schedule these frequently. Schedule predictable rest breaks as, according to a 2002 literature review published in the “Journal of Autism and Developmental Disability,” developmentally challenged persons are more likely to participate in social activities following a period of rest or low social stimulation. Structure activities to facilitate cooperation between the developmentally challenged and nondisabled persons.
Help developmentally challenged persons learn more adaptive skills to replace self-injurious and self-stimulating behaviors by referring them to a qualified operant-conditioning therapist. A typical operant-conditioning program will help the patient and support system identify and minimize environmental triggers of negative behaviors, such as anxiety, stress and overstimulation. Programs teach the developmentally challenged person more socially appropriate competing behaviors, such as shaking hands, asking for a hug, smiling or touching a favorite object. Educate yourself on the treatment plan, and help the developmentally challenged person practice new behaviors at home and in the community. Once these negative and socially ostracizing behaviors are diminished, a developmentally challenged person is more likely to feel at ease and be successful in social environments.
Use peer-mediated interventions to expose the developmentally challenged person to an age-appropriate, relevant role model. Educate nondisabled persons by integrating them with disabled persons wherever possible and practical. Offer subtle rewards to nondevelopmentally challenged persons who initiate social interactions with developmentally challenged persons by smiling and commenting on positives observed. You can make statements such as, “It’s nice to see everyone getting along well,” or “This environment is so pleasant to work in.” Model successful interactions by including disabled persons in your own activities. Encourage your community to offer social activities for the developmentally disabled, such as structured hikes, volleyball games or by sponsoring a Special Olympics event.