1. Encouraging Preferred Behavior
Jessica L. Fanning, PhD, CCC-SLP

2. Clinical Notes first… ANY clinic difficulties  Lalla & Lindsay!
Recording sessions
Overheads  don’t move
Kodak camcorders  never remove card
General check-out; all devices
Plug-in devices for max charge
Careful with bins, devices, plugs, shelves
infoCDS
Apps listed per iPad
Software across all devices

3. Onto preferred behaviors…
Today we will discuss prevention
Starting this week, you need to raise your self-awareness for certain behaviors
As you become aware of certain behaviors, please try incorporating a few new strategies…
First, let’s think like a child…

4. Prepare for the child (think like the client)
Where are we going? Setting
Setup a fun looking environment
Use vertical surfaces
Stations = movement = less boredom = more compliance
Limit access to materials; keep materials organized
Ability-appropriate activities
What are we doing? When will things happen? What & When
Toddler: You monitor
Preschool & School-age: Visual agenda strategy
If client can attend  create with them so just bring all supplies into the room with you
If client does not attend typically  prepare agenda in advance for reference
How will things feel? Behavior expectations
Words: be clear on what is preferred & non-preferred
Voice: use pleasant, non-emotional voice regardless of button pushed
“Success Chart” strategy (Fanning, 2007): picture notes, good job marks, treasure
What about my parent? Family involvement
Plan how & when to include caregivers, parents, siblings
Across ages

5. Examples

6. Step 1: Use meaningful language
You’re a big part of determining whether your client follows your directions
Use “meaningful language”
Clear statements
Frequent choices
Specific praise

7. Meaningful Language = prevention
No “empty questions”
Choices
Specific praise

8. Prevention Strategies
Let’s avoid “power struggles”
Nonpreffered behaviors ‘get’ the child something so start wondering how to make the nonpreferred behavior ineffective for the child
Nonpreferred behaviors can be viewed as an ABC sequence so consider contexts, participants, & motivations
Parents are big parts of the overall equation & tx approach…so observe current interaction styles/patterns
Give client a “sense of control”
Encourage preferred behaviors
Give the client a reason for following adult agenda

9. This week… Make a visual agenda (vertical, moveable)
Create Success Chart (child-directed)
Use vertical surfaces
Plan for client movement opportunities
Be aware of Empty Questions
Fix with immediate choice
Provide frequent Choices
Fill with choices so they don’t have to fight for control
Give frequent Specific Praise
Develop your “How To manual”