Sometimes we all get it completely wrong when interacting and miss-read the body language of the people who with we are interacting. In spite of my extensive experience, I got it so wrong in this video:

I approached too fast and got to close to her so she has hidden her security/comfort blanket as a sign of disapproval.

I did not recognise her body signalling (you are too close and I am not comfortable).

I did copy her loud vocalisation and completely missed the point that she was using it as a complain signal.

When she gently bangs her head against the wall, I copied the motion. Behaviours that are dangerous to a person we should not copy as it may reinforce the behaviour.

I hit the side of the bed for no apparent reason???

When she pulls my hair I acted as a game and kept the interaction going when, perhaps, should move away, communicating her that this hurts and when she hurts people, these move away. Or , at least, should show her what I was truly feeling (pain) rather than smile at her, as this coveys a very confusing message.

Good points:

I am trying to model appropriate behaviour as when she bangs her head against the wall, I tried to massage the area she hit.

Hair pulling, I tried to model for her to use gentle hands.

Pinching my arms: I am trying to teach appropriate and non-harmful ways to interact with others such as clapping or using gentle hands when touching others.

Intensive Interaction sessions/workshop; Tangley Park Family Centre - Hampton, Richmond

Kidzactive: Intensive Interaction sessions for children with Autism.

The charity runs Intensive Interaction sessions for children with autism aged 7-11 very Saturday morning (during term time) in Tangley Park Family Centre in Hampton, Richmond.

Our trainer Fernando Teixido-Infante has previously worked with Kidzactive and will employ the Intensive Interaction Technique to enable staff to teach a small group of children how communication can be both meaningful and enjoyable. Parents will also be trained I this technique to continue the work at home.

Intensive Interaction sessions are most beneficial to non-verbal children, those who are in their early stages of communication or those who are not receptive to communication and may remain isolated as a result.