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Implementing Effective Behavior Management

Author: Capella Partnered with CARD

what's covered
This lesson will explore how to implement effective behavior management by defining and discussing the following:
  1. Behavior Management Tips and Techniques
  2. Behavior Intervention Plan Components

1. Behavior Management Tips and Techniques

One of the most important things we can do in ABA is to be prepared for behavior management. We can do this by making sure we are familiar with the behavior plan, including the behavior itself, the interventions, etc.

We can also do this by looking at the physical environment and making sure that we eliminate distractions and place objects appropriately in the treatment area.

Also, make sure you are “dressed for success” and your clothing and attire do not include anything that could obstruct your ability to safely handle situations that might arise.

Here are some behavior management guidelines to review:

  • Be familiar with the patient’s specific BIP; you need to know the tailored procedures that have been prescribed.
  • Behavior plans must be implemented according to specific instructions of the BCBA.
  • Enable consistency, such as a consistent message and techniques from all staff.
  • Remain calm and neutral during challenging behaviors.
  • Behaviors are communication, often arising from the patient’s skill deficits and needs. Realize that the behavior is not a personal attack or insult to you, but is a result of their skill deficits to communicate wants and needs.
  • Remain calm to effectively redirect behaviors; keep in mind that behaviors can escalate if a patient receives an emotional response.

Video Transcript

It is also important to avoid reacting to new behaviors. Remain calm and neutral and redirect the patient to the original activity to avoid inadvertently reinforcing the behavior. When these behaviors occur, make sure you document and report them to the BCBA.

Another helpful strategy is to offer the patient choices during sessions. This increases motivation by allowing the patient to act on their MOs and gives the patient some control during the session and may proactively avoid certain challenging behaviors.

EXAMPLE

What to write with, where to sit, what to do first, etc.

You can also have options ready to go for down time activities. Some patients are more likely to engage in problem behaviors during unstructured time; helping the patient to engage in activities during breaks may prevent those behaviors.

Video Transcript


2. Behavior Intervention Plan Components

Components of a behavior intervention plan include

  • Operational definition
  • Function of the behavior
  • Antecedent interventions
  • Replacement behaviors
  • Consequence interventions
Remember, it is important to be proactive with behavior management! Prompting and reinforcing replacement behaviors will help to reduce and prevent challenging behaviors; it is critical that the patient sees an alternative way to get their needs met.

It is also important to know how to collect ABC data, as new behaviors can occur at any moment. ABC data is collected to determine the function of new behaviors:

  • A – Antecedent
  • B – Behavior
  • C – Consequence
We must identify the function of each behavior in order to implement interventions that are appropriate and effective! Here are some common functions of behavior:
  • Attention: Social attention or reactions from others as a result of the behavior
  • Tangible: Access to a reinforcing item or activity as a result of the behavior
  • Escape: Avoid or escape a nonpreferred task as a result of the behavior
  • Automatic: The behavior itself produces reinforcement.
hint
You may want to discuss behaviors that occur during specific tasks with the BCBA to see if you can reserve a specific, highly preferred reinforcer for more difficult or challenging tasks. You could also consider changing the physical environment to prevent behaviors.

EXAMPLE

If the patient engages in elopement, it may be beneficial to place them further from the door or place yourself between the patient and the door so you can block or redirect.

Video Transcript

summary
In this lesson, you reviewed tips and techniques for implementing effective behavior management in your therapy sessions with patients in ABA. Remember that one of the most important things you can do in ABA is to be prepared for behavior management by making sure you are familiar with the behavior plan, looking at the physical environment, and eliminating distractions or considering the placement of objects within the treatment area, and "dressing for success." You reviewed some behavior management guidelines, the components of a behavior intervention plan (BIP), collecting ABC data, the common functions of behavior, and what to do with behaviors that occur during specific tasks.