We are big fans of preventative, proactive strategies— it’s often easier to address challenging behaviors before they even happen. One of our favorite strategies is the Premack Principle, a tool developed by and named for psychologist David Premack.
Navigating medical appointments: A prevention strategy
As behavior analysts, one of the first things we do when looking at challenging behavior is look to any medical causes and contributions for challenging behavior before intervening. We recommend our clients go to an appropriate medical professional for this. A lot of times, though, getting to and through a medical appointment can be a significant challenge for some children and adults.
Strategies for Positive Reinforcement
“The way positive reinforcement is carried out is more important than the amount.” – B.F. Skinner
How do we carry out positive reinforcement to make the most impact? Although the principles of positive reinforcement may seem simple, applying them to reduce challenging behavior and increase appropriate behavior often requires a planned, systematic approach.
When Challenging Behavior is Communication
Whether it is screaming when a favorite toy is taken away, or dropping to the floor when told “no,” challenging behavior often is about communication.
How do we define challenging behavior so we know when to get extra help? Challenging behavior is repeated behavior that interferes with learning, activities, or social interaction with others. It can have negative long and short-term effects on children, including on learning, social skills, and academic and occupational success.