R-C-R

For a long time, we have been attempting R/C/R with Alan. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, the guide is supposed to get a pattern or rhythm going which the child follows. Then the guide changes it somehow. After the change, the two of you, the guide and the person with autism, go back smoothly to doing the original pattern or rhythm. This is called regulate, challenge, regulate.

Sometimes we are successful getting a rhythm or pattern going, especially if we keep the episode short.

More often, though, Alan will do something to disrupt the pattern or rhythm or begin to repeat himself (stem) verbally.


The other day, I began to clap with him after we had finished another activity. I put the objects down and simply began to clap my hands and then raise them for Alan to clap. He began to do the rhythm. However, just as I thought I might be able to challenge him, he began to annoyingly hit my hands repeatedly when they were in the air. I tried to re-establish the rhythm by frowning at him and continuing on. He was persistent, however. The next time my hands were up, he tried again to disrupt the rhythm by hitting my hands repeatedly.

I don't know how to keep him doing a pattern long enough to keep him from being the one to change it. This is becoming a difficult obstacle. Ideas are appreciated.