BY ANGELINA SAGGIOMO THE MOST EFFECTIVE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR THE ELEMENTARY ADHD STUDENT

WHAT IS ADHD? ADHD is a disorder of childhood and adolescence characterized by lack of impulse control, inability to concentrate and hyperactivity How does it affect someone? Lack of attention- day dreaming, becomes easily bored, trouble staying on task and listening Impulsivity- calling out, trouble waiting turns, interrupt others, impatient Hyperactivity- fidgeting and squirming, constantly moving, nonstop talking

WHAT ARE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATIONS? Strategies/tools/methods used to modify behaviors History of Behavior Modifications Edward Thorndike: Law of Effects: Puzzle Box B.F. Skinner: Operant Conditioning: Pigeons Both ideas stressed reinforcement to modify behavior

ADHD STATISTICS/FACTS Effects 5% of school children in the United States At least one child in every class has ADHD 81% reported that they usually employ behavior modification procedures in their classroom. Growing disorder and effects more children every year Easy to diagnose children with ADHD or misdiagnose

WHAT ARE PROBLEM BEHAVIORS FOR ADHD STUDENTS? Lack of completing work, calling out, lack of focus, excessive talking, physical contact, etc. What are behavior modifications necessary for the ADHD student? Help to reduce and eliminate problem behaviors Way to control unnecessary behaviors Help the student to understand how to behave

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION STRATEGIES Positive Reinforcement-social praise, reward systems Verbal/Non-Verbal Cues Checklist Behavior Cards Time out Environment- classroom setup/management

MOST EFFECTIVE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION- POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT What is it? Reinforcing desired behavior by rewarding positive behaviors What is used in positive reinforcement? Token exchange Response cost Social Praise Classroom Lottery Self-Monitoring/Evaluation

WHY DOES IT WORK? Children respond to positive feedback. It focuses on what the student is doing that is acceptable to reinforce the good behavior instead of bringing the student down by always disciplining student because of what they did wrong.

DO YOU REACT BETTER TO POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE? Would you rather be told everything that you do wrong? Or Would you rather be told what you are doing right?

WHY OTHER MODIFICATIONS MAY FAIL TO WORK Student doesn’t understand Focuses on negative Modifications aren’t applied quick enough Reinforcing wrong behavior Students are ignored Modification isn’t used consistently Reinforcing negative behavior Gives students negative attention

HOW TO IMPLEMENT IN THE CLASSROOM Create behavioral plan Introduce to student Create/provide rewards, tokens, charts, checklist, etc. Give verbal and non-verbal praise Encourage Track progress