Strategies used to reinforce positive behavior
The development of strategies to promote positive behavior by specialists, parents and caregivers plays a major role in increasing the positive behaviors that we want from children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. It is therefore important to develop individual strategies for each child Separately. Parents’ sense of pride in their children’s achievements will reduce anxiety and reactions that could cause unwanted behavior.
Some of the strategies used to promote positive behavior for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Enhancing strengths and successes
The child with autism spectrum disorder must be told that what he is doing is wonderful!
What often enhances a child’s sense of competence is constant attention and reinforcement. Therefore, making sure to provide positive feedback on an ongoing basis is better than providing correction or negative comments on an ongoing basis.
Example, “Well done, Muhammad Mumtaz, because you washed your hands.”
- Respect the child and listen to him
Find out what a child with autism spectrum disorder tells you, Whether verbally or through his choices and actions.
- Remove fears and emotional feelings
You should not ignore the fears that a child with autism spectrum disorder tells you and do not just tell him not to worry.
Example, “I know, Muhammad, that you do not like loud noises in the place, and I know that you are very afraid now.”
- Provide clear expectations for behavior
You must show or tell the child with autism spectrum disorder what you expect from him verbally or using visual aids, pictures or video models and activate the “Tell-Show-Do” method (say the skill, Do the skill yourself, Make him do the skill) to teach new skills.
- Providing facilities for success
Providing the easiest and most appropriate ways to succeed in the skills provided by the specialist, parents or caregivers by accepting a one-word answer rather than requiring a complete sentence.
- Extinguishing
Implementing an extinction strategy by stopping reinforcement for the behavioral problem. Don’t let screaming behavior prevent him from brushing his teeth. An explosion of extinguishing behavior may occur, but those implementing this procedure must continue on this path. It should be ensured that all family members and professionals working with the child are consistent in implementing the procedure and coupling it with other positive strategies.
- Alternative tasks
Implementing fun things that are stimulating for a child with autism spectrum disorder, Then start with difficult tasks that require assistance.
- Interaction
Interact enthusiastically with the child with autism spectrum disorder and motivate him to grow and achieve. Instead of anxiety resulting from failure or constant boredom.
- Selection strategy
Using a choice strategy is one of the most effective methods with children with autism spectrum disorder.
Example: “Would you like to eat first or draw first?”
- Rest periods
A child with autism spectrum disorder should be taught to ask for a break from tasks.
Example, Use the PECS card, which represents a request for rest from child-directed tasks. The request must be implemented so that the child learns to trust the service provider without resorting to unwanted behaviors.
- Place
A child with autism spectrum disorder must be taught how to ask to sit in a safe and quiet place and when he needs to go there. Implementing this strategy is positive and not a punishment.
- Reinforcement
Use simple, predictable instructions for the child with autism spectrum disorder to reward desired behavior.
- Add fun
Create some enjoyable times for the child with autism spectrum disorder to do the things he loves without any interference or disturbance from others.
- Achieve balance
Focus on the behaviors and skills that are most important in the life of a child with autism spectrum disorder and create more educational opportunities for success.
- Positive language:
Use language that describes what you want the child with autism spectrum disorder to do, The attempt is made by specialists, parents and caregivers to avoid using “no” to all undesirable behaviours. Example, “Don’t scream!” Therefore, professionals, parents and caregivers must focus on positive language.
Reference:
Helpful Strategies to Promote Positive Behavior | Autism Speaks