Arrange practice visits to the group home before the move so the individual can become familiar with the environment, routines, and staff.
Use video models, visual schedules, and photo tours to help her understand what to expect in her new setting.
Social Skills and Boundary Training
Implement role-play and behavioral skills training (BST) to teach how to initiate and maintain friendships appropriately, recognize social cues, and respect boundaries with housemates.
Reinforce appropriate social initiation and sharing routines to build natural peer relationships.
Safety and Independence Supports
Use task analysis and graduated assistance for daily living skills like cooking or laundry.
Introduce safety checklists and visual prompts (e.g., “Ask staff before using the stove”).
Establish self-management systems, such as reminder cards or timers, to promote independence while maintaining safety.
Emotional Adjustment and Family Connection
Include scheduled video or phone calls with parents during the initial weeks to ease separation anxiety.
Teach coping strategies (deep breathing, requesting a break, or identifying “homesick” feelings).
Ongoing Monitoring and Collaboration
Conduct weekly team meetings (staff, BCBA, family) to review progress and modify supports as needed.
Gradually fade extra supports as the client demonstrates competence and emotional stability.
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