To support a 4-year-old with autism in buttoning a coat, which method is recommended?

• A. Having the child practice buttoning with a coat fastened on their own coat.
• B. Showing a video of buttoning.
• C. Using one of the student's coats on a hanger for practice buttoning and unbuttoning.
• D. Removing buttons from coats to simplify the task.

Answer: (C)

Structured, step-by-step practice with a hands-on task is most effective for teaching a motor self-care skill to a child with autism. Using one of the student’s coats on a hanger creates a controlled practice setup where the child can learn the sequence of buttoning and unbuttoning without the added challenge of wearing the garment. This arrangement lets you break the task into small, manageable steps, provide cues or prompts as needed, and gradually fade them as the child gains independent control. The tactile and visual cues of handling the coat on a hanger give concrete feedback, which supports learning and confidence.

Other approaches miss this essential hands-on, incremental practice. A video shows the action but doesn’t provide the motor rehearsal and real-time feedback needed for buttoning. Practicing with the coat on the child’s body can be harder and less predictable, increasing frustration. Removing buttons would remove the actual skill that needs to be learned, not teaching how to button.