As a therapist, music therapist, and co-founder of the VICON Method, I want to talk to you about a crucial topic for the development of our children: the repertoire of interests in childhood and its impact on the development of skills . As families, therapists, and educators, understanding and working on this aspect can make a big difference in the growth and well-being of our little ones.

The Importance of the Repertoire of Interests

Children typically have a wide and changing repertoire of interests. As they grow, these interests evolve, expanding and diversifying. One interest can lead to another similar one, and children are naturally drawn to novelty. This repertoire of interests is critical, as it is closely related to skill development.

However, children with developmental delays, such as those with autism, may show a narrower repertoire of interests. These interests, often intrinsic and focused on self-pleasure, do not always promote the development of new learning. A narrow repertoire of interests may be indicative of difficulties in skill development.

Strategies for Developing Your Repertoire of Interests

At the VICON Method, we have developed several strategies to expand and develop children's repertoire of interests. Here I share with you some practical activities that you can implement at home or in therapeutic sessions:

Tolerance for Toy Withdrawal

Hands-on activity: Introduce a toy rotation system. Each week, put away some toys and introduce new ones. This keeps the child interested and encourages adaptability to changes in his or her environment.

Hands-on activity: Identify activities that your child already enjoys and use them as a foundation for introducing new skills. For example, if your child loves music, use songs to teach new concepts or motor skills.

Hands-on activity: Schedule short, structured sessions to introduce new activities. Use VICON’s video modeling method, where the child can observe and then imitate activities through videos designed specifically for their needs.

Hands-on activity: Start with tasks that require active participation from the adult. For example, cooking together can be a great way to introduce new skills and vocabulary while strengthening the relationship between child and adult.

Practice: Keep track of your child's interests and reintroduce activities that he or she once enjoyed but no longer enjoyed. This can reinvigorate his or her interest and help expand his or her repertoire.

How to Implement These Strategies with VICON Method

In the VICON Method, we integrate these strategies into our online program, combining music, games, and interactive videos to make learning a fun and enriching experience. Here I explain how you can apply these strategies with our method:

Interactive Music and Videos: Use our music therapy sessions to capture and hold your child's attention. Our songs are designed to teach communication and social skills in a playful way.

Content Rotation: Our program offers a variety of videos and activities that are updated regularly to maintain the child's interest and encourage adaptability.

Family Involvement: We invite families to actively participate in the sessions, creating a collaborative learning environment that strengthens family ties and improves therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion

The repertoire of interests in childhood is vital for the development of skills, especially in children with special needs. Expanding and diversifying these interests can have a significant impact on their growth and well-being. At the VICON Method, we are committed to providing the tools and strategies necessary to support our children and their families on this journey.

Remember, every child is unique and their development is a journey that we must take together. With love, patience and the right tools, we can help them reach their full potential. Remember that you have access to a free week of the VICON Method to try it out and in this way, we can accompany you on this journey.

Thank you for being part of this discussion and I hope these strategies are very useful!

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