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This guide provides tips and strategies for clinicians to promote preferred behavior in their clients during therapy sessions. Topics include creating a fun and organized environment, using visual agendas, implementing behavior expectations, involving families, and using meaningful language.
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Encouraging Preferred Behavior Jessica L. Fanning, PhD, CCC-SLP
Clinical Notes first… • ANY clinic difficulties Lalla & Lindsay! • Recording sessions • Overheads don’t move • Kodak camcorders never remove card • General check-out; all devices • Plug-in devices for max charge • Careful with bins, devices, plugs, shelves • infoCDS • Apps listed per iPad • Software across all devices
Onto preferred behaviors… • Today we will discuss prevention • Starting this week, you need to raise your self-awareness for certain behaviors • As you become aware of certain behaviors, please try incorporating a few new strategies… • First, let’s think like a child…
Prepare for the child (think like the client) • Where are we going? Setting • Setup a fun looking environment • Use vertical surfaces • Stations = movement = less boredom = more compliance • Limit access to materials; keep materials organized • Ability-appropriate activities • What are we doing? When will things happen? What & When • Toddler: You monitor • Preschool & School-age: Visual agenda strategy • If client can attend create with them so just bring all supplies into the room with you • If client does not attend typically prepare agenda in advance for reference • How will things feel? Behavior expectations • Words: be clear on what is preferred & non-preferred • Voice: use pleasant, non-emotional voice regardless of button pushed • “Success Chart” strategy (Fanning, 2007): picture notes, good job marks, treasure • What about my parent?Family involvement • Plan how & when to include caregivers, parents, siblings
Step 1: Use meaningful language • You’re a big part of determining whether your client follows your directions • Use “meaningful language” • Clear statements • Frequent choices • Specific praise
Meaningful Language = prevention • No “empty questions” • Choices • Specific praise
Prevention Strategies • Let’s avoid “power struggles” • Nonpreffered behaviors ‘get’ the child something so start wondering how to make the nonpreferred behavior ineffective for the child • Nonpreferred behaviors can be viewed as an ABC sequence so consider contexts, participants, & motivations • Parents are big parts of the overall equation & tx approach…so observe current interaction styles/patterns • Give client a “sense of control” • Encourage preferred behaviors • Give the client a reason for following adult agenda
This week… • Make a visual agenda (vertical, moveable) • Create Success Chart (child-directed) • Use vertical surfaces • Plan for client movement opportunities • Be aware of Empty Questions • Fix with immediate choice • Provide frequent Choices • Fill with choices so they don’t have to fight for control • Give frequent Specific Praise • Develop your “How To manual”