Ep. 3: 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

📣Takeaways:

1. Build a relationship of trust. Bond, be present, show interest, make YOURSELF a reinforcer, create a safe place for your student.
2. Provide predictability and consistency. Not only help you and your staff but gives your students a sense of safety and security if they know what to expect and when.
3. Give choices. Such an easy but powerful strategy! Remember the “frame.” The non-negotiables are the frame of the picture, but everything on the inside can be fluid. Brushing your teeth is non-negotiable, but you can do it in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet, on your bed, with this toothbrush or that. You get the idea.
4. Pick your battles. Does it matter if they want to walk in the hallway sideways? Or that they want to do their math worksheet sitting on the floor? Maybe, but maybe it doesn’t. Again, giving back control may make a huge difference!
5. Plan ahead. You know your student and can often predict what the triggers are going to be. If you plan ahead and prepare, when challenging behaviors occur, you know what to do. It’s also good for the student!
6. Start fresh. Once an incident is over, let it be over. Start fresh. Other than good-practice debriefing, let bygones be bygones. Each day, each hour, even, let it be a fresh start.

💎Today’s GEM: If you wanted to just pick ONE thing to try this week, take time out to build a relationship with a kiddo who’s struggling. Maybe you invite them to come play a game. Maybe you bring a favorite treat just for them. Maybe you just tell them how much you appreciate how hard they’re working.

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‌Links:

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👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

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