Steps to Changing Problem Behavior
Step 1: Selecting Behavior to change
• Identify the problem behavior to target
• Document the A-B-C s for a period of time until you find a pattern in the antecedents or consequences related to the behavior.
•Analyze you’re A-B-C data to identify the function
Step 2: Reducing/Eliminating Problem Behaviors
After analyzing the ABC’s for a problem behavior do not continue to give the child the consequence they are seeking when they do the problem behaviors. When the child learns that they are no longer getting the consequence they want the problem behavior will begin to decrease.
• Change or eliminate the Antecedent (trigger, cue) to stop the behavior from occurring
• Changing the Consequence (response to behavior) so the consequences no longer provides reinforcement to the child
Example: For attention seeking behaviors, plan to ignore those behaviors. For problem behaviors in which child wants access to something, do not allow access.
• Identify the problem behavior to target
• Document the A-B-C s for a period of time until you find a pattern in the antecedents or consequences related to the behavior.
•Analyze you’re A-B-C data to identify the function
Step 2: Reducing/Eliminating Problem Behaviors
After analyzing the ABC’s for a problem behavior do not continue to give the child the consequence they are seeking when they do the problem behaviors. When the child learns that they are no longer getting the consequence they want the problem behavior will begin to decrease.
• Change or eliminate the Antecedent (trigger, cue) to stop the behavior from occurring
• Changing the Consequence (response to behavior) so the consequences no longer provides reinforcement to the child
Example: For attention seeking behaviors, plan to ignore those behaviors. For problem behaviors in which child wants access to something, do not allow access.
Step 3: Teach new Replacement Rehaviors & Reward Appropriate Behaviors
• Identify skill (behavior) child is needs to be successful (replacing problem behavior)
• Teach new appropriate behaviors meeting same function
• Reward (reinforce) all desired behaviors
Example: If the consequence is “She escapes classwork through loud swearing” she may be taught to raise her hand and ask for a “break”. When she does appropriately request a break the teacher rewards her by allowing her to have a 5 minute break away from doing classwork.
Low or no cost reward ideas: http://parenting.families.com/blog/lowno-cost-rewards
• Identify skill (behavior) child is needs to be successful (replacing problem behavior)
• Teach new appropriate behaviors meeting same function
• Reward (reinforce) all desired behaviors
Example: If the consequence is “She escapes classwork through loud swearing” she may be taught to raise her hand and ask for a “break”. When she does appropriately request a break the teacher rewards her by allowing her to have a 5 minute break away from doing classwork.
Low or no cost reward ideas: http://parenting.families.com/blog/lowno-cost-rewards