Behavior Modification Techniques

Behavior modification techniques are implemented to change an undesirable behavior to a desirable one. But before one is put into place, careful abc ) antecedent, behavior, consequence, data should be taken. This means you need to find out what causes it to occur, (a), what it is, (b), and the consequence, which could be positive or negative.

These strategies can be used for children on the autistic spectrum and typical children. A good rule of thumb when treating them is always try the positive approach before if necessary using an aversive. So, one child I worked with had a vocal stim of clearing his throat over three hundred times in a two hour therapy session. This parent wanted it gone and quickly. She wanted to go right to what was a quick help. Our therapy team sprayed binnaca in his mouth every time he cleared his throat. After 3 days this boy was down to only clearing his throat 10 times in an entire day and sometimes it was once or twice in a session or none. It really worked.

Other techniques I have used were when a child is scripting or having inappropriate vocals, I would say shh, quiet, and just gently place my fingers over his lips. This approach was much less invasive. Something else done was using DRO boards. This is can be used to encourage good behavior throughout the day. Your child would earn stickers each time the timer went off, if there was no engagement in inappropriateness. You can use how ever many stickers you think is a good amount. And a picture of a bigger reward should be on the board, so the child really knows its worth it to be good. If your child is being good, always make sure you reinforce it with verbal praise. Children need that and it keeps their motivation going.

Behavior modification techniques can be as simple as using color cards. Green, your child is represented on it with a clothes pin or something, if behavior stays good, it stays on green, if is challenged, move to yellow, meaning uh oh, if you have another bad behavior, you will go to red, and that means no reward. Reward systems are your friend. A lot of times it is used in potty training too. Also charts are good too.

Applied Behavior Analysis is widely used for children with autism and has over thirty years of research behind it. That is what I do for a living. It is a reward system when correct responses are made. There is more to this bu I just wanted to share a few ideas about this topic.

Behavior Modification Techniques