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Understanding Challenging Behavior

11/4/2010

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Who ever chose the puzzle piece to represent children with Autism was most insightful. I've learned so much in the last 14 years.  At my job it takes a team to transform a students behavior.  Each child is unique in some way but alike in other ways. It's those consistencies that help professionals understand behavior. For example the FBA process (function of a Behavior) has 4 target reasons for behavior: Tangible the child wants something, Escape, Attention and Sensory.  Once I can understand the function of a behavior, I can begin to create a strategy to either prevent or extinguish the undesired behavior. I'm not a Behavior Specialist, but I know my work.  I've had the good fortune to work at a progressive school with highly trained staff. 
Another key component to being successful in shaping or changing a behavior is consistency.  All persons involved with a child with challenging behaviors must be on the same page. This helps the child be successful. The first thing to do is fill the child's need.  If it is sensory, provide sensory opportunities. If it's a tangible a first /then approach might help delay that need especially when it can result in aggression.  


Knowing a child's likes and dislikes are also essential in being able to speak to a child's interests or to avoid things that upset the child.


Collecting  data and determining if it  is working.  A true sign something is working, is when the target behavior increases, before it decreases. The child will push the boundaries put in place.  It's important to challenge a child but not push them to a breaking point, depending on the situation.  These are just a few ideas about why challenging behaviors occur and one approach to address the behaviors. Any questions blog me.
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    Leah Gherardi

    Special Educator living and loving life in the Hudson Valley of New York!

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