Naturalistic Intervention

Following the toddler’s lead involves allowing the child to direct the interaction and the activity. Rather than the interventionist having a set plan (e.g., to play in the toy house), she waits and sees what the toddler wants to do. If the toddler goes to the toy house, she engages him there; and, if the child goes to the block area, she engages him with the blocks. Remember that the environment has already been arranged to elicit specific targets, so either activity should lead to the desired target.

For some toddlers, the interventionists must be especially observant and patient in order to follow the toddler’s lead. If a toddler has a more passive temperament, it may be difficult to entice the toddler to seek out his or her interests. When this occurs, the interventionist may be tempted to become more directive. For example, an interventionis might say to a toddler, “Here’s a puzzle! Let’s do it!”

However, the interventionist is encouraged to be patient, watch for nonverbal indications of interest (such as the toddler reaching for the puzzle), and match the toddler’s activity level. An example of this might be if the toddler is pouring sand over and over, the interventionist might join the toddler in this activity rather than encouraging her to make a sandcastle.