Providing Choices

 
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Providing choice can make all the difference

Providing an individual with choice can lead to a number of positive outcomes:

  • Increasing compliance

  • Decreasing problem behaviours

  • Encouraging independence

  • Promoting the individual’s feelings of control and confidence

What are some choices that can be offered?

  • Snacks

  • Activities

  • Toys

  • Tasks (e.g. chores, academic work)

  • Materials (e.g. red or green toothbrush, pencil or pen)

  • Time

  • Location

  • Relaxation and/or coping strategies

Other Helpful Tips:

  • Choices can be provided verbally many times throughout the day

  • For some individuals it may be beneficial to have a visual that displays his/her options – this is called a Choice Board

  • Choice Boards should be tailored to best fit the individual’s needs

    • It may only include 2 options or it could offer many more

    • Choices may be presented in pictures or written words

If you are using pictures, the internet is a great resource to find clipart or real-life photos to use. Taking your own photos and putting them into a Choice Board is a great option as well!

Providing Choices Resources

What Does Research Say on Providing Choice?

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 some insight into the evidence available on providing. Much more research is available on this topic.