Behavioural modification
Developing adaptive behaviour first requires recognising what may be contributing to the problematic behaviour. Triggers, antecedents, and precipitating factors are terms describing that which precedes the behaviour. Triggers to acting-out behaviour may be internal or external. Examples of internal causes of behavioural problems can be fatigue, hunger, lowered self-esteem, etc. External triggers may include a frustrating task, interaction with certain individuals, change in structure/ routine, increased level of stimulation, etc.
In addition to understanding what may trigger maladaptive behaviour, it is important to understand what occurs following the behaviour that may serve to reinforce and hence maintain the behaviour. For example, if a given behaviour consistently results in a rewarding experience such as increased attention, the frequency of the behaviour will most likely increase.
The behaviour intervention plan is based upon a careful functional assessment of behaviour which guides the intervention plans. Individualised interventions are designed to decrease or increase a particular type of behaviour or reaction by:
i. Developing a new adaptive behaviour
ii. Strengthening the use of an existing behaviour
iii. Stopping a challenging behaviour
iv. Modifying an emotional response
Other interventions may include (click for more information):
• Environmental modiļ¬cations
• Remediation and rehabilitation
• Psychosocial interventions
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Family/Systemic therapy