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Master behavior reduction strategies, understand behavior functions, and implement evidence-based interventions to decrease challenging behaviors while teaching appropriate replacements.
Behavior reduction is one of the most important areas in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It focuses on decreasing challenging behaviors while teaching appropriate replacement behaviors that serve the same purpose.
Identify
Assess
Plan
Implement
Evaluate
Maintain
A Behavior Reduction Plan (BRP) provides clear guidelines for how to manage and reduce maladaptive behaviors.
Clear description of the target behavior
Example: Hitting others with open palm or closed fist
Why the behavior occurs
Example: To gain attention from peers or staff
A positive behavior that serves the same function
Example: Raising hand to ask for help
What to do before the behavior occurs
Example: Provide scheduled attention every 5 minutes
How to respond after the behavior occurs
Example: Redirect to replacement behavior, withhold attention
Methods to track progress
Example: Frequency count per session
What to do during emergencies
Example: Safety protocol for aggressive behavior
| COMPONENT | PURPOSE | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Target Behavior | Define behavior | Hitting others |
| Function | Reason | To gain attention |
| Replacement | Teach new behavior | Asking for help |
| Consequence | Response strategy | Provide attention for asking |
Behaviors serve a purpose — understanding the function helps select the right intervention.
To get social interaction or response
Example: Yelling to get teacher attention
To avoid a task or situation
Example: Throwing materials to escape math
To get a desired item or activity
Example: Hitting to get iPad
To gain internal stimulation
Example: Head banging for sensory input
Antecedent strategies prevent behaviors before they occur by changing the environment or expectations.
Increase predictability
Best for: All functions
Example: Picture schedule showing daily activities
Reduce difficulty
Best for: Escape
Example: Break math worksheet into smaller parts
Give learner control
Best for: Escape/Tangible
Example: Choose between two activities
Provide frequent attention
Best for: Attention
Example: Scheduled praise every 3 minutes
Consequence strategies define how to respond after the behavior happens to reduce future occurrences.
Increase desired behaviors
Reduce problem behaviors by withholding reinforcement
Withhold attention for minor behaviors
Example: Ignore mild attention-seeking behavior
Guide to appropriate activity
Example: Redirect to replacement behavior
Immediately reinforce desired behavior
Example: Praise and provide attention for hand raising
| SESSION | FREQUENCY BEFORE | FREQUENCY AFTER |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10 | 6 |
| Week 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Week 3 | 5 | 2 |
Differential Reinforcement (DR) is used to reduce problem behavior by reinforcing desired alternatives.
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior
Usage
Reinforce alternative behavior
Example: Reinforce hand raising instead of calling out
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior
Usage
Reinforce incompatible behavior
Example: Reinforce hands in lap (incompatible with hitting)
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior
Usage
Reinforce any other behavior
Example: Reinforce any behavior except target behavior
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates
Usage
Reinforce low rates of behavior
Example: Reinforce asking for help only 2 times per hour
Extinction means stopping reinforcement for the undesired behavior.
Typical behavior pattern during extinction:
Behavior frequency usually increases before decreasing
Crisis procedures protect the client and staff when dangerous behavior occurs.
Maintain composure and safety focus
Remove dangerous objects or people nearby
Implement organization's crisis plan
Get assistance if necessary
Record incident and discuss aftermath
Identify Crisis
Ensure Safety
Follow Plan
Document
Debrief
Collect and analyze data to ensure the plan is working.
RBTs must follow ethical guidelines during interventions.
| AREA | GUIDELINE |
|---|---|
| Respect | Treat all clients with dignity |
| Honesty | Report data accurately |
| Confidentiality | Protect client information |
Practice behavior reduction concepts with targeted quiz questions and reinforce your understanding.