Foundational Learning Skills

Foundational Learning Skills

(also referred to as Learning-How-to-Learn Skills)

Behavioral Flexibility & Regulation

• Accepting delays in reinforcement or access to preferences
• Accepting "no"
• Calm body / sustained calm body
• Coping
• Tolerance
• Transitions
• Waiting
  

Attention & Engagement

• Attending
• Looking at relevant people/materials
• Joint attention
• Staying with adult/group
• Sitting / sustained sitting
  

Communication & Social Interaction

• Communication
• Responding to name
• Responding to questions/requests/directives
• Responding in unison (choral responses)
• Social skills (parallel play, play with a friend, sharing, turn-taking, etc.)
  

Task Participation & Independence

• Following multi-step directions
• Starting a task / continuing a task / completing a task
• Independence
• Learning from feedback
• Observational learning
  

Reinforcement & Contingency Skills

• Contingency
• Giving up reinforcement or desired items
• Refraining from… (e.g., specific challenging behaviors)
  

Important Notes

• This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights common needs for adequate learning.
• Advanced skills can also be taught, such as:
• Social skills
• Toileting
• Academics
• Eating
• Sleep routines
• Self-help skills