From Trust → Eye Contact → Listener Dr Kondekar

🧠 Protocol: From Trust → Eye Contact → Listener

(CBT-based structured approach for autism & developmental disorders)

It integrates trust building + eye steadiness + body regulation + CBT shaping.

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🔷 PHASE 1: REGULATION (Prepare the brain to listen)

🎯 Goal:

Calm, alert, organized body

🛠️ Methods:

• Proprioceptive input:
  • Wall push-ups
  • Carrying weight
  • Squeezing ball
• Reduce noise & distractions

⏱️ Duration:

2–5 minutes before interaction

✅ Outcome marker:

• Body slows down
• Child stays in place

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🔷 PHASE 2: TRUST BUILDING (Enter child’s world)

🎯 Goal:

Child accepts your presence

🛠️ Methods:

• Join child’s activity (no interruption)
• Sit at eye level (non-threatening angle)
• Minimal talking
• Observe and mirror

❗ Avoid:

• Direct commands
• Forcing interaction

✅ Outcome marker:

• Child does not avoid
• Allows proximity

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🔷 PHASE 3: INITIATE CONNECTION (Invite eyes, don’t force)

🎯 Goal:

Start eye orientation

🛠️ Methods:

• Call name softly → pause
• Wait for even 1-second glance
• Use facial expression / interest

🔁 Reinforcement:

• Smile, respond immediately

✅ Outcome marker:

• Brief eye contact initiated

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🔷 PHASE 4: BUILD EYE STEADINESS

🎯 Goal:

Sustain and repeat eye contact

🛠️ Methods:

• Gradually increase duration (1 → 2 → 3 sec)
• Use “pause and engage” technique
• Create interesting facial cues

⚖️ Rule:

👉 Allow looking away → re-engage

✅ Outcome marker:

• Repeated eye contact cycles

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🔷 PHASE 5: DEVELOP LISTENING (CBT shaping begins)

🎯 Goal:

Convert connection → listening behavior

🛠️ Methods:

Stepwise tasks:

• “Clap once”
• “Give me ball”
• “Come here”

👉 Increase complexity gradually

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🔁 CBT PRINCIPLE:

• Prompt → Response → Reinforcement

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✅ Outcome marker:

• Child responds to verbal cues

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🔷 PHASE 6: SUSTAINED LISTENING

🎯 Goal:

Maintain attention over time

🛠️ Methods:

• Short instructions → gradually longer
• Use rhythm & tone variation
• Insert micro-pauses

⏱️ Structure:

• 2–3 min listening → short break → resume

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✅ Outcome marker:

• Child listens without frequent redirection

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🔷 PHASE 7: GENERALIZATION

🎯 Goal:

Transfer listening to real-life settings

🛠️ Settings:

• Home
• Classroom
• Social interaction

👥 Train:

• Parents
• Teachers

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✅ Outcome marker:

• Listening across environments

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🔄 FULL FLOW SUMMARY

🧩 The sequence:

Regulate → Build trust → Initiate eyes → Stabilize eyes → Develop listening → Sustain → Generalize

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⚠️ RED FLAGS (adjust protocol if seen)

• Avoidance / withdrawal
• Increased hyperactivity
• Irritability
• No eye initiation

👉 Action:

• Go back to earlier phase (trust or regulation)

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🧠 CBT INTEGRATION (Core loop)

Step	Process
Trigger	Adult speaks
Internal state	Safe vs unsafe
Behavior	Eye contact + body + listening
Reinforcement	Reward strengthens behavior

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🧩 Dr Kondekar Protocol Statement

“Don’t start with teaching—start with regulation and trust.
Invite the eyes, stabilize attention, and then build listening step by step.
A listener is created, not commanded.”

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🧠 Final clinical insight

👉 Eye contact is entry point
👉 Trust is foundation
👉 Regulation is enabler
👉 CBT is builder

➡️ Outcome: A stable, meaningful listener.