We Put the Fun in Function
What is a function of behavior?
What is PECS?
Picture Exchange Communication System -- picture symbols used primarily to make requests for wants and needs.
What is reinforcement?
A result or consequence of behavior that makes that behavior more likely to happen in the future
When your child is engaged in challenging behavior it is important to try to keep a _________ facial expression.
Neutral! -- You want to avoid looking happy, laughing, or appearing mad/upset. Emotional reactions can provide attention to challenging behavior. The behavior is getting a reaction from you.
Name one way to set your child up for success in a new environment.
Use visual supports Address sensory needs (headphones, fidget toys) First/Then language "first grocery store, then cupcake" Have a safety plan
How many different functions of behavior are there?
4
Attention, Escape, Tangible, Sensory
When using a First/Then board what is always in the "First" box?
Something nonpreferred, what the child needs to do.
What is an example of escape reinforcement?
skipping homework, going home after the doctor ("all done"), taking a break from a non-preferred activity, alone time in your bedroom
Turn it around! We want to tell kids what TO do, rather than what NOT TO do. Instead of saying "stop running" you could say....
Walk please!
Before prompting your child to engage in a difficult or nonpreferred task you should always establish ________.
A reinforcer - what they will earn when they complete it!
Name the function: Everytime Johnny throws broccoli on the floor during dinner his mom says "that's okay, you don't have to eat it"
Escape: Johnny gets away from something nonpreferred (broccoli).
When using a First/Then board what is always in the "Then" box?
Something preferred! What they will get access to after completing the "First" task.
What is an example of attention reinforcement?
verbal praise "good job!", eye contact, high fives, tickles, verbal reprimand, peers laughing
Not everyone likes every kind of attention, what may be reinforcing to one child may not be reinforcing to another!
Turn it around! We want to tell kids what TO do, rather than what NOT TO do. Instead of saying "don't hit your sister" you could say....
Safe hands!
Even better - prompt functional communication, language that will help them access the same function/outcome.
If she wants attention from her sister prompt, "play with me", "chase me" "I want a hug"
If she wants a toy her sister has prompt, "Can I have a turn?"
If she wants her sister to go away prompt, "I need space"
Rather than asking, "What do you want to do when we get home?" you could say, "Do you want to play trains or blocks when we get home?"
This strategy is called....
Providing choices!
Make sure to only provide 2-3 available choices. Open ended questions leave room for open-ended answers. By providing two choices that you are okay with, your child feels like they have some agency and control over the situation, but are not going to be disappointed by selecting something that is not available.
Name the function: Sarah's dad is occupied making dinner. Sarah jumps on the couch and he runs over and says "Hey Sarah, remember we don't jump on the couch, jumping on the couch is dangerous"
Attention: Sarah's dad was busy doing something else, but he came and interacted with her after she engaged in undesired behavior (jumping on the couch). Even though he was correcting her behavior, he was still providing attention.
Why are visual supports helpful for individuals with Autism?
They can help increase independence by removing the need for adult intervention.
They can be useful for learners with receptive language deficits.
They can serve as a preview or reminder of the expectations of a given activity or environment.
What is an example of tangible reinforcement?
iPad access, candy, access to a favorite toy, stickers, going to the playground, going to skyzone
Turn it around! We want to bring attention to desired behavior, not challenging behavior. Instead of commenting when your child is screaming you could....
Ignore the challenging behavior (screaming) and provide tons of praise when they use a polite and calm tone.
"I love how you told me so nicely with your inside voice!"
Before going into a difficult or new environment you tell your child "Remember, you can always ask for a break", practice signing "break" or show your child where to access a PECS icon for "break".
This strategy is called...
Functional Communication!
Teaching your child appropriate ways to access their wants and needs instead of engaging in challenging behavior.
Name the function: Everytime Sally screams her grandmother turns on the TV to her favorite show.
Tangible: Screaming gets Sally access to a preferred item or activity.
What is a token board used for?
It's just like money! It symbolizes how much you have earned, reinforces positive behavior and is a visual representation of when you will be able to trade them in for something preferred.
What's the difference between bribery and reinforcement?
Bribery is reactive, it looks like bringing out all the best most fun things only when challenging behavior occurs. Reinforcement is preplanned and provides fun outcomes following good behavior!
Turn it around! We want to bring attention to desired behavior, not challenging behavior. Instead of commenting when your child is making a mess at dinner, you could...
Ignore the challenging behavior (neutrally remove the food if necessary), provide lots of verbal praise when they are eating appropriately!
"I love how you're using your fork to eat, you're doing such a great job!"
When a task is difficult for your family due to your child's challenging behavior, what should you do?
Ask your child's BCBA for support! We can make helpful materials, help develop a safety plan, and go with you to practice difficult things.