Function-based intervention is an important part of what we do.
I enjoy the evening hours because there are less demands on my time and attention. They are quiet, and I can finally spend time engaging in preferred activities. Being the opposite of a morning person, it is easy for me to lose track of time and stay up past the point of being a functioning Read more about How to Use a Countdown for Transitions[…]
We have all heard the textbook examples of the toddler having a tantrum in the grocery store check-out for access to candies and chocolate bars. We may have even seen it happen in person. As we put on our behaviour analytic hat we could possibly identify the ABC’s (antecedent, behaviour, consequence) at play and determine Read more about Functional Communication Training (FCT) and Replacement Behavior[…]
When working with any behavior, whether it be a problem behavior or even a target behavior, it is critical to make sure that all stakeholders are in agreement with what that problem behavior is, and what it is not, so that when it is observed it can all be agreed upon. If you are not Read more about Defining Problem Behavior[…]
Extinction is one of the first things practitioners and also parents will learn about in ABA. Many people think this means ignoring the child which is certainly not the case, what it actually is, is just ignoring the behavior. ABA practitioners use this procedure where reinforcement that was previously given for behavior is no longer Read more about Extinction[…]
I once worked with a client who was doing really well with his programs, developing skills, and accomplishing goals. However, he had a “behaviour” that was driving his therapist crazy. She called to ask about targeting this specific behaviour within a protocol to try and reduce it. She said that it was coming up often Read more about When is Behaviour Worth Targeting for Reduction?[…]
Something I often discuss with teachers is the concept of intrinsic vs. extrinsic reinforcement. At what point can we expect the tangible and outside reinforcement to morph and for the student to begin to actually want to do the right thing (and not just because he/she is rewarded for the right thing)? In my experience, Read more about Using Antecedent Teaching to Manage Challenging Behaviour[…]
Looking back on my years as a teacher, I can now say that ABA was the missing piece in my classroom (see: 5 ABA Principles I Wish I Knew as a Teacher). As a preschool and elementary teacher, I was struggling with the concepts of reinforcement and behaviour management. This is why I find the Read more about How to Use ABA to Manage Challenging Behaviour in the Classroom[…]
During one of my first few experiences as an ABA therapist, I was introduced to “The White Diet”. We had a particular student who would only eat white foods, such as pasta, bread, crackers, and cheese. Since then, I’ve seen many versions of the picky eater – the student who would only eat a certain Read more about Dealing With a Picky Eater[…]
A child’s life is full of transitions. They go from their bed to the car to school to the playground, etc… For some children, this can be extremely difficult and transitions can be when teachers and caregivers tend to see a lot of negative behaviour. Why is this? Most of the time, it’s due to Read more about Transitions: 4 Tips to Prevent Meltdowns[…]
There are a lot of tools in my BCBA tool box that I use regularly to help shape positive behaviour. A behaviour contract is one of my go-tos for learners who are able to wait for delayed reinforcement. When implementing, it’s important that the learner understands what behaviours are being reinforced even if they’re not accessing Read more about How To Effectively Write A Behaviour Contract[…]