General Reference - MyHope

How to Use Reinforcers to Reward Appropriate Behavior

Definition: A reinforcer is an item or event that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again. Reinforcers are rewards for appropriate behavior. Reinforcers will differ from child to child, and will vary over time. Here’s a step-by-step method for using reinforcers to increase appropriate behavior: 1. Identify a […]

Influences on Behavior: A Worksheet

Child: _____________________ Observer: ________________ Date/Time: _________________ Setting: _________________ Target Behavior: _____________________________ Definition of Behavior: ________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Behavior can be influenced by three factors: the child’s characteristics, the features of the environment, and the characteristics of the child’s interactive partner. Which of the following characteristics of autism/PDDNOS might influence this behavior? (check all […]

Intervention Approaches: From Least Restrictive to More Restrictive

1. REINFORCING THE ABSENCE OF A NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR Definition: Reinforcing the absence of an undesired behavior without pinpointing or teaching a specific adaptive alternative behavior, also called “catching the child being good” When to Use: When you first begin to target a negative behavior and you need to clarify your behavioral expectations to the […]

Choosing the Appropriate Consequence By Matching the Function of the Negative Behavior

It is very important to remember that in order to use meaningful consequences, you need to consider the function of the negative behavior, the child’s preferences, and the consistency with which you can deliver the consequences. Here is a brief summary of how to fit your intervention approach to the function of the behavior: If […]

Main Points of Behavior Management Training

I. Theories of Behavior 1. Behaviors are observable phenomena which can be: A. Defined in concrete terms B. Altered by changing aspects of the environment 2. Behavior is influenced by the interaction of these factors: A. Characteristics of the child (e.g., learning style, motivation, etc..) Effects of autism includes discussion of social, communication, and sensory […]

10 Steps to Preventing Problem Behaviors

1. Apply Your Knowledge of the Child 2. Use the Problem-Solving Approach to Behavior Change 3. Teach Functional Communication 4. Adapt the Environment 5. Incorporate Visual Cues 6. Develop Predictable Routines 7. Adapt Your Interaction Style 8. Teach Alternative Behaviors 9. Provide Powerful Rewards 10. Catch ‘em Being Good 1. Understanding the Child The first […]

Techniques for Reducing Problem Behaviors

I. GENERAL INTERVENTION GUIDELINES 1. Always try these techniques at home first, where you have greater control over your environment. 2. Be prepared for your child’s behavior to get worse before it gets better. 3. These techniques become more effective over repeated, consistent use. 4. The best way to judge whether the intervention is working […]

Sample Daily Progress Report: Behavior

Patrick’s Daily Progress Report Completed by: ________________________________ Date: __________ I. Appropriate Behaviors Behavior Frequency Comments Initiates activities Follows directions Completes activities Initiates contact with peers Uses words to communicate Uses gestures to communicate Uses pictures to Communicate Other appropriate behaviors […]

Influences on Behavior

Influences on Behavior Characteristics of Autism/PDDNOS Disordered language and communication skills Impaired social relating Repetitive activities and routines Unusual sensory responses Organizational problems Child’s Motivations/Needs Social/Attention Escape/Avoidance Tangible/Material Stimulation Situational Characteristics Physical setting Social context Stimulatory aspects Familiarity of setting Caregiver/Family Characteristics Expectations Interaction style Discipline Style Attributions Resources (e.g. support, time, energy) Teachers Influences […]

Motivators Worksheet

DIRECTIONS: Think of behaviors that occur as a result of each of the four basic motivations. Motivation Appropriate Behaviors Inappropriate Behaviors Social Attention Ex: following directions (praised by parent) Ex: screaming while parent is on telephone Escape/Avoidance Ex: waving goodbye when wants to […]

Guidelines for Decreasing Undesirable Behaviors

If the motivation underlying the undesired behavior is attention: PREVENTION (What to do before the behavior has a chance to occur): 1. Determine what kind of attention the child likes best. 2. Catch your child being good and provide lots of this kind of attention. 3. Determine the high-risk times for the behavior to occur […]

Guidelines for Increasing Desired Behaviors

If the motivation underlying the desired behavior is attention: 1. Determine what kind of attention the child likes best. 2. Catch your child performing the desired behavior and provide lots of this kind of attention. 3. Set up frequent, brief opportunities to practice the desired behavior. 4. Ensure success by guiding your child to perform […]