>>16852506and once those are used up, the child must do something else. The time limit, or how much to earn, may depend upon the child's age and temperament, and can be refined as time goes on. For example, your child could earn time for Pokemon, by doing things that don't involve Pokemon (at about one hour of other things, to earn 20 minutes of Pokemon).
4. If necessary (let's say the child is too obsessive to think of anything else), allow some small portion of the obsessive item or topic to be accessible at all times, but control how it's used. You may allow the child to keep a book about trains, for example, but require the child to earn TV shows and games related to trains. If the child keeps the book all the time, he or she can indulge his or her obsession if needed, in a limited manner. The child can be encouraged to draw or write about his or her favorite topic, if they need to, but the remainder is earned.
5. Discussion and monologuing about the favorite topic are normal. That doesn't mean that unending discussion or monologues should be encouraged, but they are important in some way for the child and should not be completely eliminated. Allow the child to discuss the favorite topic for a limited period of time, interspersed with discussion about other non-preferred things. Model turn-taking in conversation, and use social stories to build the concept of conversation. It may not be easy to do, but it's important for kids to learn the art of conversation, so that they can perhaps be more social adults.
6. Keep the rules about favorite subjects and obsessions consistent and attainable. The key to success is moving in small steps toward a final goal. If the child is successful, the child will continue to make progress. Even a minute less time discussing the subject of an obsession is an accomplishment, if the child is used to discussing it all day long. Make the goals obtainable and celebrate each accomplishment for the best success.
