How to get started with Intensive Interaction
How to get started with Intensive Interaction
On one level, Intensive Interaction is incredibly simple. Without knowing too much about it, you can probably just ‘have a go’ and your attempts are likely to benefit your child in some way.
The problem, however, with beginning Intensive Interaction in this way is that the person ‘just having a go’ is unlikely to understand the many and profound benefits of doing Intensive Interaction well and often, and unlikely to be able to reflect on and improve his or her own practice.
Nor is it ideal, on the other hand, to be introduced to Intensive Interaction as a complex set of theories. That’s likely to discourage some parents and practitioners from taking it up or ‘just having a go’ and getting a feel for it.
When you start Intensive Interaction it’s important to get this balance right in your mind. Intensive Interaction is simple on one level, complex on another. Don’t be afraid to just dive in and try it but bear in mind that you and your child are on a journey and that there is a lot of understanding and assimilation to be taken on board along the way. It’s best to take your time over this!
Also bear in mind your own individual learning style – would you prefer to understand a lot of the theory before having a go? Or, are you a hands-on person who would like to try first and read up later?
There are 3 basic initial ways-in to Intensive Interaction. Ideally you will do all three – and in the order of importance/ priority given below. You must though, of course, also choose according to your own circumstances and learning style.
Training
Background reading.
Watching Intensive Interaction footage
1. TRAINING OPTIONS
A distance mentored course for parents that includes face to face Skype (or equivalent) sessions. (See Resources page)
Attend a training course delivered by Dave Hewett or qualified Intensive Interaction Coordinator.
Find a Coordinator to work with you and your family – or child’s team. This is ideal because they can monitor your progress as a practitioner and help you with personal challenges (such as training your child’s team)
Sometimes there are other professionals around: SALTs / school staff / Portage workers, etc. who can train or mentor you to use Intensive Interaction. A word of warning here though – there are plenty of people out there who are delivering dubious versions of I.I... Check their credentials first – and preferably find someone who is a qualified coordinator and affiliated to the Intensive Interaction Institute
2. BACKGROUND READING
I suggest that any parent starting out with Intensive Interaction should invest in these 2 books:
The Intensive Interaction Handbook 2nd edition (An easy step by step guide on how to do Intensive Interaction)
Finding you, finding me (Phoebe Caldwell's take on Intensive Interaction)
Later on, I suggest the following book for a more in depth understanding of the profound ways in which Intensive Interaction is helping your child
For further reading, have a look at other books available from the Intensive Interaction shop.
My book on Intensive Interaction is available as a free download. or you can order free printed copies from here. (The charity Thinking Autism do appreciate donations to cover the basic costs of printing and posting this book. You can donate here).
3. FOOTAGE
Do watch ALL the videos available on Dave Hewett’s Youtube channel.
It’s worth watching some of Phoebe Caldwell’s footage too. (Search for ‘Phoebe Caldwell’ ‘Intensive Interaction’ on Youtube).
If you wish to view more footage, invest in the I.I. information pack and DVDs from the Intensive Interaction shop
Baseline Assessments and Observations
Don’t forget to observe and assess your child’s current abilities/ skills/ reactions before starting. Coordinators/ training courses/ The handbook all give advice on how to do this.
Good luck!!!
