What is Behavior Modification?
It is the term used to demonstrate the behavior change techniques to increase or decrease the frequency of behaviors, such as altering an individual’s behavior and reactions to stimuli through positive and negative enforcement of adaptive behavior and/or the reduction of behavior through its extinction, punishment and or satiation. Behavior Modification is now known as Applied behavior analysis (ABA)which is more analytical than it used to be.
Children with disabilities have special needs, so when it comes to behavior modification, things that work for others, may not necessarily work for them. Therefore, we need to look for a different approach. That’s where Behavior modification, or ABA comes in.
Behavior modification assumes that observable and measurable behaviors are good targets for change. All behavior follows a set of consistent rules. Methods can be developed for defining, observing, and measuring behaviors, as well as designing effective interventions. Behavior modification techniques never fail. Rather, they are either applied inefficiently or inconsistently, which leads to less than desired change. All behavior is maintained, changed, or shaped by the consequences of that behavior. Although there are certain limits, such as temperamental or emotional influences related to ADHD or depression, all children function more effectively under the right set of consequences. Reinforcers are consequences that strengthen behavior. Punishments are consequences that weaken behavior. Students’ behaviors are managed and changed by the consequences of classroom behavior. To manage behavior through consequences, use this multi-step process:
- The problem must be defined, usually by count or description.
- Design a way to change the behavior.
- Identify an effective reinforcer.
- Apply the reinforcer consistently to shape or change behavior.
Praising the child is an important part of Behavior Modification. Praising a special education student for what he has done right will reinforce good behavior and create confidence in making the right choices. While it is important to discourage negative behaviors, it is even more essential to emphasize the positive ones. Special needs students tend to be hungry for praise— they thrive on it. They are often used to hearing about what they’ve done wrong. Telling them when they’ve done something right will grab their attention and reinforce good behaviors.
In order for your reinforcement to work properly, you have to find the correct, most effective reward system for the individual child. Special needs students sometimes need extra help in remembering what is expected of them, behavior-wise. Providing tangible rewards for mastered behaviors or accomplishments is one way to remind them about what works in the classroom. Because their interest is peaked by providing an objective goal–the reward–they have an easier time remembering how to behave. Even small items such as stickers, tokens or
bookmarks will let the child know he is on the right track and is deserving of a reward. With more impaired children, edibles work well but should not be relied on due to weight issues.