Biological needs in therapy must be addressed first to understand and support children effectively. Ruling out medical and biological variables that influence behavior provides key insights into sudden changes and helps therapists respond with empathy and effectiveness.
Why Biological Needs in Therapy Matter
Imagine a scenario: It’s Monday morning, and a child arrives at therapy exhibiting a significant increase in interfering behaviors. My first questions to the parents or therapist are always:
When did the child eat last?
Did the parents mention anything about their sleep schedule over the weekend?
When was the last time the child had a bowel movement? (in case of any medical history)
Any changes in medications?
These simple but essential questions often reveal the “why” behind behavior, underlining the importance of biological needs in therapy. Hunger, sleep deprivation, illness, or other physical discomforts can all contribute to changes in a child’s demeanor. Addressing these variables ensures that therapists can tailor their approaches appropriately rather than inadvertently escalating the child’s distress.
The Role of Empathy in Addressing Biological Needs
How would you feel if you were hungry, tired, or unwell, and someone expected you to complete challenging tasks without addressing your needs first? Now imagine being a child who cannot express these feelings verbally. For non-speaking children, crying or increased interfering behaviors may be their only way to communicate discomfort. Recognizing this is vital to maintaining a compassionate and effective therapy environment.
Practical Strategies for Addressing Biological Needs in Therapy
To ensure therapy sessions address biological and medical needs effectively, consider these expanded practical strategies:
Ask the Right Questions: Begin each session by gathering information from parents or caregivers about the child’s recent routines. This includes asking about meals, sleep patterns, bowel movements, and any medication changes. These insights can reveal critical triggers for the child’s behavior.
Observe the Child: Watch for physical and emotional signs such as droopy eyes, excessive yawning, irritability, or rubbing their stomach. Notice if the child seeks comfort or appears withdrawn, as these behaviors may signal unmet biological needs.
Communicate with Caregivers: Maintain regular communication with parents to understand any changes in routines or health status. Share observations from the session, and ask follow-up questions to clarify any patterns or recurring issues that might affect therapy.
Adjust Therapy Plans: Tailor activities to accommodate the child’s current state. For example, if the child appears fatigued, prioritize low-demand or calming activities such as sensory play. Allow for frequent breaks and offer hydration or snacks if appropriate.
Collaborate with Medical Professionals: When biological concerns persist, engage healthcare providers or specialists to address underlying issues. This collaboration ensures that the child’s health needs are met, contributing to more effective and comfortable therapy sessions.
Rebuilding Trust After Addressing Biological Needs
Another crucial step after ruling out biological and medical needs is ensuring that the therapist takes time to pair and re-pair with the client. Building trust and rapport is essential, especially after handling variables outside the child’s control. Without this connection, therapy sessions can feel transactional and may fail to engage the child effectively. Therapists should prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment before diving into ABA-specific tasks.
For instance, after confirming that a child’s biological needs are met, therapists can spend time engaging in preferred activities, sharing moments of joy, or simply allowing the child to decompress. These efforts reinforce the bond and ensure the child feels understood and supported. Trust is the foundation of effective therapy, and every session should begin by strengthening this relationship.
Case Example: How Biological Needs Impact Therapy Outcomes
One of my clients, a non-speaking child, arrived at therapy one day exhibiting frequent crying and resistance to tasks. Upon questioning the parents, I learned that the child had skipped breakfast that morning. Understanding this, I adjusted the session to include calming sensory activities and provided a short break for the child to have a snack. Within minutes, their demeanor improved, and they were able to engage in learning activities more effectively. This simple adjustment highlighted the importance of considering biological needs first.
The Bigger Picture
Ruling out biological and medical variables is not just a procedural step—it is a reflection of the empathy and understanding that should guide all therapy practices. By addressing these foundational needs, therapists can create a supportive environment where children feel understood and respected. This approach not only enhances therapy outcomes but also builds trust and rapport with the children and their families.