Pre-session access

Tangible
Allowing the learner free access to highly preferred items immediately before a period where those items are restricted.

Pre-session access involves letting the learner play with their favourite things right before you require them to do something else. You are filling their cup with the tangible items they love.

You use this when you know a learner struggles to transition away from preferred items or handle periods where they cannot have what they want. By giving them dedicated, uninterrupted access first, they are often more willing to relinquish the item when asked. It helps prevent the desperate hoarding behaviour that occurs when access is unpredictable.

Practitioners often fail by cutting this period short. If you promise five minutes with the train, you must provide the full five minutes. If you interrupt them after two minutes because you are in a hurry, you violate trust and guarantee problem behaviour during the next transition. Another mistake is using the absolute highest-value item for pre-session access if the learner has a history of severe aggression when that specific item is removed. Start with moderately preferred items.

Implementation

  1. Schedule a dedicated period (e.g., 5-10 minutes) immediately before work demands begin.
  2. Allow the learner unrestricted access to preferred items during this time.
  3. Provide warnings as the access period nears its end (e.g., 'Two more minutes').
  4. Ensure a smooth transition by having the work materials ready and immediately providing praise for transitioning.
  5. Consistently follow the schedule so the learner trusts they will get access again later.

Common Mistakes

  • Ending the access period prematurely or unpredictably.
  • Using items that reliably cause severe aggression upon removal.
  • Failing to provide clear transition warnings before the access ends.