Challenging Behaviors

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a workshop on Challenging Behaviors and thought I would share some of the main components of the course.

Consider

"If a child doesn't know how to read, we teach."
"If a child doesn't know how to swim, we teach."
"If a child doesn't know how to multiply, we teach."
"If a child doesn't know how to behave, we.....
...............teach? ..............punish?

"Why can't we finish the last sentence as automatically as we do the others?"

Challenging Behavior is referred to as:
* Any repeated pattern of behavior that interferes with learning or engagement in pro-social interactions with peers and adults.
* Behaviors that are not responsive to the use of developmentally appropriate guidance procedures.
* Prolonged tantrums, physical and verbal aggression, disruptive vocal and motor behavior (e.g., screaming, stereotypy), property destruction, self-injury, noncompliance, and withdrawal.

Prevention strategies reduce the likelihood that the child will need or want to use the challenging behavior.

*You may offer choices. When choices are offered, children are more cooperative, more engaged and better behaved.

*You may give safety signals such as providing a time line ("5 minutes till clean-up"). Use a timer.

*You may select rein forcer prior to activity ("when you put the toy away, you can go outside," "first.......then."

*Be aware of your child's triggers and interests.
Make sure rewards for appropriate behavior equal or exceed the rewards for challenging behavior.
Use logical consequences. For example:

-Child refuses to clean up Legos -- No more Lego play for as many days as you find appropriate.

Most importantly however: BE CONSISTENT

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