1. Simple Ways to Improve your Child’s Problem Behavior Jason Majchrzak MS, LLP, BCBA Henry Ford Health System

2. Disclaimer This presentation will show you methods for treating problem behavior using both Behavior Analysis and Psychological Interventions Although these methods are research based, there is no guarantee they will work with your individual child. Please consult a psychologist or Behavior Analyst for further assistance. The methods described today may work for any child but are specifically based on children ages 2 – 7 years old and can use words to communicate. Before attempting any behavior intervention, please consult with your child’s pediatrician

3. A Quick Audience Survey Professionals? Parents? Parents of children with Autism? Caregivers of children with Autism? How old are your kids? How many with kids that use words to communicate? How many have kids with undesirable behaviors?

4. This Presentation will Show You Reasons for Behaviors How to figure out the reason(s) for behavior How to reward positive behaviors Ways to treat behavior problems

5. Behavior Analysis and Behavior Behavior = Everything that we do! What can you observe?

7. Reasons Why we do what we do 4 Purposes for Behavior To get attention To get out of something you don’t want to do To get an item or activity you want To get rewarded aside from social forces (self-gratifying behavior)

8. How to Observe Step back and break it down Antecedent BehaviorConsequence Last thing you did  Your child’s behavior  What you did about it When you observe, your consequence will most likely be to ignore the behavior. Do not provide any attention or rewards for the behavior directly Provide attention or rewards for everything else that is not the behavior

9. Steps to Intervention 1.Find out what your child likes 2.Know when behavior is most likely to occur 3.Find out triggers for behavior and ignore 4.Build intervention 5.Get everyone on board 6.Everyone becomes rewarding to your child 7.Keep track of progress

10. Psychological Approach Get kids to follow instructions Do 5 minutes each day of play time, just you and the child  No demands, ignore behaviors, just play  Paraphrase, Point Out, and Specifically Praise  This is the hardest part for most parents!

11. Psychological Approach Avoid Unnecessary Questions Take lead away Seems like your not listening Sounds like you disagree Quash the need to Lead Takes lead away Suggestions = Hidden Directions Can cause bad feelings Quiet Criticisms Increases negative behavior Creates friction – poor parent/child relationship

12. Psychological Approach Praise (specific) Tells your child exactly what you like More powerful in changing behavior Increases good behavior Makes everyone feel good Paraphrase Child leads the conversation Shows your listening Shows you understand and accept Can improve speech Increases talking Point Out Lets child lead Shows your interested Teaches concepts/ideas Models speech Holds attention to the task Organizes child's thoughts

13. Behavior Analytic Treatments Attention: Visual schedules Frequent, positive feedback during the day Teach them to ask for attention Teach turn-taking Teach waiting Independent play skills Block inappropriate behavior and redirect Time-Out

14. Time Out Command "please put the red block in the box" Disobeys - Warning "If you dont put the red block in the box you'll have to sit on the timeout chair" Time Out Chair "You didn't do what I told you to do, so now you have to sit on the time-out chair" Back away and Say "Stay on the chair until I say you can get off" 3 min + 5 sec of quiet Stays On Return to task complete, give second command, and praise follow- through Gets Off "You got off the chair before I said you could, so you have to go to the time-out room 1 min + 5 sec of quiet Return to Time Out Chair 3 min + 5 sec of quiet Return to Task if chair requirement met Obey's "I like when you listen" Obeys "Good Listening!"

15. Behavior Analytic Treatments Escape: Visual schedules First-Then instructions Break instructions down Don’t stack instructions – 1 at a time Teach asking for a break or for help Require completion of the demand Time-out with a return to the task that led to time out

16. Behavior Analytic Treatments Tangibles: Visual Schedules First-Then Instructions Consistent Expectations Plan for Transitions Teach Asking Waiting Turn-Taking Redirect to available Choices Time-Out

17. Behavior Analytic Treatments Automatic Behaviors: Rule-Out Medical Conditions Praise and Reward Appropriate Behavior Teach Social and Independent Play Skills Communication Training Appropriate ways to Meet Sensory Needs Block and Redirect