A program for a child who prefers quiet activities and communicates nonverbally should:

• A. Include preferred activities and adapt communication to the child
• B. Use loud, fast instruction
• C. Apply the same plan to all clients
• D. Delay participation indefinitely

Answer: (A)

When planning a program for a child who prefers quiet activities and communicates nonverbally, it’s essential to fit the instruction to the child’s interests and how they communicate. Including preferred activities helps the child stay engaged and motivated to participate, while adapting communication to nonverbal methods ensures the child can understand and respond. This might mean offering quiet, low-stimulation activities and using visual supports, signs, gestures, or picture systems to convey instructions and reinforce learning. Keeping the environment calm and the instructions clear and concise supports smoother interaction and skill development.

Choosing a loud, fast-paced approach can be aversive and reduce engagement. Using a single plan for every client ignores individual needs, making it harder for the child to participate meaningfully. Delaying participation indefinitely prevents learning opportunities and progress.