is a therapeutic technique based on the work of B.F. Skinner, a famous psychologist who is known as the "Father of Behaviorism." Skinner developed a theory of operant conditioning, which states that all behavior is governed by reinforcing and punishing stimuli. Behavior modification uses a scheduled approach that rewards desired behavior and "punishes" undesirable behavior. This technique continues to be used in therapy and is used in many psychological settings.

Behavior Modification

Behavior modification is a term used in behavioral therapies to denote methods for conditioning behavior. It has its roots in classical conditioning, which involves the pairing of a behavior with a reinforcement. The main idea is to reward the a person if they implement a desired behavior or if they stop undesired behavior. Behavior modification can also involve incurring an unpleasant consequence for undesired behavior. Behavior modification is used in a variety of situations, ranging from the behaviors of a child in the classroom and at home to the behavior of adult prison inmates. This conditioning may be implemented by an authority figure, or it may be used in self-help exercises.

PurposeBehavior modification is used to treat a variety of problems in both adults and children. Behavior modification has been successfully used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), phobias, enuresis (bed-wetting), generalized anxiety disorder , and separation anxiety disorder , among others.

In connection to SPEd- children with ADHDADHD BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, troubles many children, schools, parents, and families. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is the most common mental disorder in children and adolescents in the United States. According to Michael Bloomquist, Director of the Attention and Behavior Problems Clinic at the University of Minnesota, a child with ADHD often struggles to accumulate the abilities and skills in self-control, social, emotional, and academic areas. Effective behavior modification techniques help such a child succeed.

Significance

Problems in self-control or attention characterize ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3 to 5 percent of children qualify for this diagnosis. More boys than girls have it, and unlike once thought, these symptoms often trickle into adolescence and adulthood. Without adequate intervention, children with problems in self-control are more likely to be rejected by peers, and often develop academic and emotional problems. According to Bloomquist, a behavior modification plan and techniques build mastery and competence, and promote psychological development and success.

Function

Children with ADHD may show emotions without constraint have difficulty focusing on or completing a task, become impatient, blurt out inappropriate comments, and have trouble waiting their turns. Having the ability to regulate emotions and behaviors early in life, acquiring good social and academic skills, having supportive parenting and predictable routines and rituals, and being accepted by, and associated with, positive-influence children, remain protective factors for children to sustain socially-acceptable behaviors and adjust easily in life. Bloomquist notes that behavior modification techniques help accomplish these goals by enhancing self-control, social, emotional, and academic development, and improving parent well being and relationships with their children.

TypesBehavior modification techniques for ADHD can reinforce positive behavior, or punish negative behavior. According to Bloomquist, behavior modification techniques teach a child with ADHD to obey, follow rules, manage anger, develop social and problem-solving skills, promote positive peer affiliations, assist in understanding and expressing feelings, think helpful thoughts, encourage appreciation of reading, and increase self-directed academic behaviors. Behavior techniques in the form of a plan promote a child's self esteem. Parents should rank and prioritize areas that need the most attention, and develop a plan focused on these targeted behaviors.

Considerations

Behavior modification techniques for ADHD require effort and consistency. Bloomquist identifies parent and family well-being as being crucial to the success of a child's acquisition of self-control. Previous or concurrent family treatment may enhance the outcome. Adding medications to treat ADHD may prove helpful. A Consumer Reports survey demonstrated that 67 percent of those trying medications for ADHD reported they helped "a lot." Dr. Orly Avitzur, a neurologist and medical advisor to Consumer Reports magazine, indicates that kids improve most with a combination of medication and behavioral modification techniques.

SolutionsSpecific strategies exist for various ADHD behaviors. Bloomquist suggests giving effective commands, using effective warnings, and taking away a privilege when targeting disobedient behaviors. To reduce angry outbursts, help the child define anger, teach recognition of anger body cues, teach and encourage relaxation skills and helpful self-talk. Teach positive social behaviors, and coach and reward desirable social behaviors in social situations. Instruct the child in social problem solving and use "guided questioning" to help explore possibilities and options for problem-solving social situations. For emotional well being, help the child identify and change unhelpful thoughts and demonstrate helpful thinking. Bloomquist encourages collaboration with the child, assessment of his readiness for the task, staying calm, and being consistent. Practicing with daily charts containing up to four target behaviors, using non-material reinforcers for desired behavior, and mild punishment for zero compliance, can enhance performance and effectively shape targeted behaviors.

Conditioning to Modify Behavior

Behavioral conditioning occurs when a certain behavior is either rewarded or negatively reinforced. Note that punishment may be, but does not have to be, a reinforcement. Generally, simpler behaviors are easiest to condition; more complex behaviors need to be broken down into smaller steps. At every point, the desired behavior must be attainable by the person learning.

5 WAYS TO USE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR ADHD

 

Behavior modification techniques shape behavior through a system of reinforcement and punishment. This type of system can be effective in helping certain problem behaviors, such as those frequently seen in children with ADHD. In behavior modification strategies, the problem behavior, and the desired behavior that ideally will replace it, must be clearly defined. Then small steps toward the desired behavior are rewarded. Lapses in progress, or regression back to the problem behavior, are not rewarded.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS FOR

ADHD

Challenging behaviors in a child with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) include not listening, arguing and non-compliance. These negative behaviors test parents and stress teachers. Children struggle to complete assignments, finish projects and remember rules. By instituting behavioral interventions for children with ADHD, negative behaviors decrease and positive behaviors increase. Three behavioral plan components listed in an article at ADDitude, an online magazine dedicated to ADD and ADHD, include a focus on the essential, documentation and a commitment to note and reward improvement.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES FOR ADHD

The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often treated with stimulant medication. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can be treated with behavioral therapy. Dr. P.S. Jensen reported in the February 2001 issue of "Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics" that behavioral therapy combined with medication is the best treatment for ADHD. According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, behavioral modification is a form of behavioral therapy that replaces undesirable behavior with more acceptable behaviors using positive and negative reinforcement.