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What is Preservation?

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Summary

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Preservation is when you keep something the same and take care of it so it doesn’t get ruined. For kids with special needs, it means keeping their routine or environment stable to help them feel safe and comfortable.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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Is preservation always a challenge, or can it be beneficial?

Preservation can have both positive and challenging aspects. While it may enhance a child’s learning in their areas of interest, it can also present difficulties in adapting to changes or diversifying their interests.

How can parents support a child with strong preservation tendencies?

Parents can support their child by respecting their interests and using them as learning opportunities. Providing structure and gradual transitions can help children with preservation adapt to new routines or activities.

Is it possible for children to outgrow preservation tendencies?

While preservation may evolve or lessen over time, it often remains a part of a child’s unique identity. The goal is not to eliminate it but to help children find a balance between their intense interests and a broader range of experiences.

Can children with preservation tendencies develop social skills?

Yes, children with preservation can develop social skills. Utilizing their intense interests as conversation starters and involving them in group activities related to their passions can enhance their social interactions and relationships.

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Scientific Definition

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Preservation refers to the act of maintaining or protecting something from change or damage. In the context of kids with special needs, preservation involves maintaining a consistent routine or environment to promote stability and reduce anxiety. According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, consistent routines can significantly benefit children with autism by providing a sense of predictability.

 

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Real World Example of Preservation

Liam, a 7-year-old with autism, had been working hard with his therapist to learn how to tie his shoes. After several weeks of practice, he finally mastered the skill. However, his parents noticed that if he didn’t practice regularly, he would start to forget the steps. Here’s how they used preservation techniques to help Liam retain his shoe-tying skills:

  • Consistent practice: Liam’s parents set aside time each day for him to practice tying his shoes, even after he had learned the skill.
  • Visual aids: They created a step-by-step picture guide that Liam could refer to when needed.
  • Positive reinforcement: Every time Liam successfully tied his shoes, his parents praised him and offered a small reward to encourage him to keep practicing.

By incorporating these preservation strategies into Liam’s daily routine, his parents helped him maintain and build upon his newly acquired skill, boosting his confidence and independence.

How Does Preservation Work?

Preservation is used to help children with special needs maintain and build upon the skills they have learned. Here are some examples of how preservation can be implemented:

  • Regular practice: Encouraging kids to practice learned skills on a consistent basis.
  • Incorporating skills into daily routines: Finding opportunities to apply learned concepts in everyday situations.
  • Using visual supports: Providing pictures, diagrams, or written instructions to help kids remember steps or processes.
  • Breaking down tasks: Simplifying complex skills into smaller, more manageable components.
Preservation Strategy Example
Regular practice Scheduling daily reading time to maintain literacy skills
Incorporating skills into routines Having a child help with meal preparation to practice measuring and sequencing

By using these preservation techniques, parents and educators can help kids with special needs retain and generalize the skills they’ve worked so hard to acquire, setting them up for long-term success.

 

This post was originally published on August 18, 2023. It was updated on June 19, 2024.

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