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Full Article Changes in routine and seasonal transitions can cause emotional upheaval for families. A few strategies, described below, might help families keep things chill this summer and beyond. These ideas come from education, where research has helped teachers see the benefits from using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS has been implemented in more than 26,000 U.S. schools. The PBIS framework has been shown to decrease disciplinary removals and improve student outcomes, including grades and graduation rates. When done well, PBIS provides positive social skills, communication strategies and “restorative justice,” (working it out instead of punishing) and may prevent 80-90 percent of problem behaviors. Punishment does not teach PBIS research highlights problems with punishments, which are called “aversive interventions.” Research shows that a punished child is likely to flip into an emotionally dysregulated state (fight/flight/freeze) that actually blocks learning. Chances are low that the child will know what to do next time because the punishment didn’t provide a learning opportunity. PBIS teaches what to do instead—and how to do it. Adults who calmly direct a child toward a new way of problem-solving can interrupt or prevent an escalation and help the child make better and better choices moving forward. Keep in mind that adults need to stay regulated to help children. PAVE provides resources to help adults work on their own self-control and support their children:
Behavior is a child’s attempt to communicate Simple, consistent, predictable language is critical for teaching and reinforcing behavior, says Kelcey Schmitz, who works for the University of Washington School Mental Health Assessment, Research, and Training (SMART) Center. “PBIS is a game changer for children and youth with behavior challenges and their teachers and caregivers,” Schmitz says. “In fact, everyone can benefit from PBIS. Behavior is a form of communication, and PBIS aims to reduce problem behavior by increasing appropriate behavior and ultimately improving quality of life for everyone. The same approaches used by schools to prevent problem behaviors and create positive, safe, consistent and predictable environments can be used by families at home.” Schmitz, an MTSS training and technical assistance specialist, provides the following specific tips for creating a successful PBIS home environment. Support Positive Behavior before there is a problem PBIS is set up with three layers—called tiers—of support. The parent-child relationship is strengthened by loving and positive interactions at each tier. Tier 1 support is about getting busy before there is a problem. Much like learning to wash hands to prevent getting sick, expected behavior is taught and modeled to prevent unexpected behaviors. Parents can look at their own actions and choices and consider what children will see as examples of being respectful, responsible, and safe. Tiers 2 and 3 are where adults provide more support for specific behaviors that are getting in the way of relationships or how the child or youth functions. In a school setting, Tier 2 is for students who need a social group or some extra teaching, practice, and reinforcement. Tier 3 supports include a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to find out why the behavior is occurring, and an individualized Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). PAVE provides a video: Behavior and School: How to Participate in the FBA/BIP Process. Any student may access supports that include aspects of Social Emotional Learning at all three Tiers. At home, Tiers 2 and 3 naturally will be more blended and may include support from a community provider. Note that targeted interventions in Tiers 2-3 work best when Tier 1 is already well established. Define, teach, and routinely acknowledge family expectations
Create engaging and predictable routines
Set the stage for positive behavior
While these strategies may not eliminate all problem behaviors, they create consistency, predictability, and a more positive atmosphere. They teach new skills to help children get their needs met. The solid foundation will help even if challenging behaviors persist by creating a bedrock for additional layers of support. Here are places to seek additional information:
How does consistency and routine help to increase the display of a desired behavior?How can consistency & routine help to increase the display of a desired behavior? Predictability that goes along with consistency & routine helps learners focus on what is important. A pivotal skill that helps individuals "learn to learn"? Responding to multiple cues in the environment.
How can consistency and routine help?A consistent daily schedule and step-by-step routines give children a predictable day.. Feel in control of their environment.. Feel safe, secure, and comfortable.. Know what is happening now and what comes next.. Know how to do an activity or task.. Engage in learning.. Which of the following increases the likelihood of occurrence of a behaviour?Consequences: Reinforcement and Punishment
As one of the most important principles of behavior analysis, the process of reinforcement entails a consequence that increases the future likelihood of the behavior it follows. Such behavior change occurs over time following immediate reinforcement.
How does functional communication training address a problem behavior?FCT involves identifying the function or purpose of the child's challenging behavior (for example, hitting, screaming, taking toys away from others) and then teaching an appropriate behavior that will serve the same purpose for the child. This behavior is referred to as a replacement behavior.
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