First Then Strategies
Clarify expectations with a First Then Board
First Then strategies are helpful in setting expectations for your child by showing them what they first need to do in order to gain access to a desired item or activity.
First-Then Statements/Boards
First-then statements/boards describe a sequence of events that will occur. This can be helpful for showing which transitions/activities will occur and in what order. These statements are commonly used to motivate an individual to complete a non-preferred activity, by rewarding completion of that activity with a preferred activity
“First do your homework, then you can play videogames”
How to implement first-then statements/boards:
Arrange tasks so that a difficult or non-preferred task occurs before a preferred activity
For example, “First clean up, then you can play videogames.”
Once the “first” task is completed, move onto the “then” activity as immediately as possible
Ensure that the “then” (preferred activity) is only given after the “first” (non-preferred activity) is completed
Use pictures or words on the first-then board depending on what the individual understands/prefers
A visual is not absolutely necessary, a verbal statement may be sufficient depending on the individual!
Ensure you accurately identify preferred and non-preferred activities/items
Using First Then Strategies
What Does Research Say about First Then Strategies?
When choosing any intervention strategy it is important to know what research evidence is there to support the effectiveness of the strategy. These articles will provide you with some insight into the evidence available on First Then Strategies. Much more research is available on this topic.