Ever felt like you’re trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces when it comes to an understanding your neurodivergent child’s challenges? The “assessment of lagging skills and unsolved problems” (ALSUP) approach can be a game-changer for parents like you. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the ALSUP process, helping you identify your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth. We’ll also discuss practical strategies to address these challenges and foster a supportive environment for your child’s development. So, let’s embark on this enlightening journey together!
Table of Contents
Understanding the ALSUP Approach
First things first, let’s grasp the core concept of the ALSUP approach. Developed by Dr. Ross Greene, this method focuses on identifying the specific skills your child may be struggling with and the problems that arise as a result. The goal is to address these issues collaboratively rather than resorting to punitive measures or rewards. In short, it’s about understanding and empathy, not control.
Here are the key components of the ALSUP approach:
- Lagging Skills: Abilities your child may have difficulty with, such as emotional regulation, communication, or problem-solving.
- Unsolved Problems: Challenges that emerge due to lagging skills, like difficulty completing tasks, social conflicts, or emotional outbursts.
- Collaborative Problem Solving: The process of working together with your child to identify solutions to the unsolved problems, fostering a sense of partnership and mutual understanding.
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Identifying Your Child’s Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems
Now that you have a basic understanding of the ALSUP approach let’s dive into the process of identifying your child’s lagging skills and unsolved problems. This step is crucial, as it sets the foundation for effective problem-solving and support.
1. Observe and Reflect
Begin by observing your child in various situations, such as during playtime, mealtime, or social interactions. Take note of any patterns or behaviors that seem challenging for them. Reflect on your observations and consider which skills may be lagging behind. For example, if your child struggles with transitions, they may have difficulty with flexibility or adapting to change.
Here are some common lagging skills to look for:
- Emotional regulation
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Flexibility
- Task initiation
2. Communicate with Others
Reach out to teachers, therapists, or other caregivers who interact with your child regularly. They can provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and challenges, helping you form a more comprehensive understanding of their needs. By gathering information from multiple sources, you’ll be better equipped to support your child with the help of tools like Goally.
Read more: What is Early Social Communication?
3. Use Assessment Tools
There are various assessment tools available to help you identify your child’s lagging skills and unsolved problems. These can include questionnaires, checklists, or even online resources. One popular tool is Dr. Greene’s ALSUP Inventory, which provides a comprehensive list of potential lagging skills and related unsolved problems.
Some helpful assessment tools include:
- Dr. Greene’s ALSUP Inventory
- Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)
- Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)
Addressing Your Child’s Challenges: Collaborative Problem Solving
With a clear understanding of your child’s lagging skills and unsolved problems, it’s time to move on to the collaborative problem-solving process. This approach empowers your child by involving them in the solution-finding process, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Goally can be a valuable tool in this process, providing structure and support for your child’s daily routines.
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1. Empathy Step
Begin by expressing empathy and understanding for your child’s perspective. This can be through active listening and validating their feelings. For instance, you might say, “I can see that you’re feeling frustrated when it’s time to clean up your toys.”
2. Define the Problem
Next, work together with your child to define the problem clearly. This step involves identifying the specific unsolved problem and the related lagging skill. For example, “The problem is that cleaning up toys is difficult because it’s hard to transition from playtime to cleanup time.”
3. Brainstorm Solutions
Now, engage in a brainstorming session with your child to generate potential solutions to the problem. Encourage creativity and open-mindedness, and remember that no idea is too far-fetched at this stage. The goal is to create a list of possible solutions to explore further.
4. Evaluate and Choose
Together, evaluate the proposed solutions and choose the one that seems most feasible and effective. Consider the pros and cons of each option and how well it addresses the underlying lagging skill.
5. Implement and Monitor
Finally, put the chosen solution into action and monitor its effectiveness. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed, and remember that problem-solving is an ongoing process. Goally can help you track progress and make adjustments as needed, ensuring your child receives the support they need.
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Empowerment Through Understanding
In short, the assessment of lagging skills and unsolved problems is a powerful tool for parents seeking to support their neurodivergent kids. By identifying your child’s unique challenges and working collaboratively to address them, you can foster a nurturing environment that empowers your child to thrive. Remember, understanding and empathy are the keys to unlocking your child’s full potential. With the help of tools like Goally, you can provide the structure and support your child needs to succeed.
FAQ’s About Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems
What is the Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems (ALSUP)?
It is a tool used to identify skill deficits and unsolved problems contributing to a child's challenging behavior.
Who can benefit from the ALSUP assessment?
It is helpful for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, oppositional behaviors, and other developmental or behavioral challenges.
What skills does the ALSUP evaluate?
Core areas include executive skills, emotion regulation, cognitive flexibility, language processing, and social skills.
How is the ALSUP information used?
The assessment guides the development of personalized behavior support plans and focused interventions.
When is the best time to complete an ALSUP?
It can be done anytime challenging behaviors arise but is especially useful during key transitions like starting school.
This post was originally published on 05/18/2023. It was updated on 05/06/2024.
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