Evaluation and Management of Behavior Flashcards
What is behavior?
- Observable
- Measurable
- Reproducible
What is behavior NOT?
the identity of the child
What is a challenging behavior?
- any repeated pattern of behavior that
interferes with learning - behaviors that are not responsive to the use
of developmentally appropriate guidance procedures - prolonged tantrums, physical and verbal
aggression, disruptive vocal and motor
behavior
Basic assumptions about challenging behaviors
- challenging behavior –> related to skill deficit or trauma
- Behavior that persists over time and is working for the child
what will reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviors?
Develop positive relationship, create supportive environments and focus on teaching social and communication skills
What is the potential impact of behavior on physical therapy intervention
- Not going to reach your goals
- Family will not keep coming
Key point to managing typical childhood behaviors prior to intervention
- Build relationships
- Carefully plan the environment
- Develop positive relationship, create supportive environments and focus on teaching social and communication skills
- Establish a routine and follow it consistently
- Plan for transitions
Build relationships
Ensure that all children, even those with the most challenging behaviors, have access to ongoing
POSITIVE relationships
Carefully plan the environment
- minimize large open spaces
- have toys ready with a plan B, C, …
- minimize obstacles and other hazards
- consider the needs of children with physical
and sensory disabilities - consider developmental level and potential
need for privacy
Plan for transitions
- Minimize the length of time the child spends waiting with nothing to do
- Prepare the child for transitions by providing a warning
- Structure transitions so that the child has something to do while he/she waits
- Teach the child the expectations related to transition
Kay Points to managing typical childhood behaviors during intervention
- Give Directions
- Establish Rules
- Ignore Misbehavior
- Redirection
- Provide positive feedback and support
Giving Directions
- Communicate the expectations
- Questions can be refused- ask indirect questions
- Gain child’s attention before you give the direction
- Minimize the number of directions
- Give clear direction
- Stay away from too many “NOs”
- Give child time to respond
- When appropriate give choices
- Stay positive- what you focus on grows
Establishing Rules
- Few simple classroom/therapy rules
- Involve the child in development
- Post the rules visually
- Teach the rules systematically
- Reinforce the rules
Ignoring Misbehavior
- Very effective techniques
- Maintains positive relationship
- Requires that adults reinforce positive and not negative behaviors
- Can be a powerful tool for changing behavior since access to attention is such a positive thing for children
How will most children initially react to ignoring misbehaviors
with an increase in the challenging behavior
Be prepared to wait out the testing period.
Be Consistent!
