Tuesday Tip – Multiple Causes for Behavior Problems

It is not realistic to think that we will always be able to diagnose why a student’s behavior is a problem.  Sometimes the reason may actually be multiple reasons.  But taking the time and energy to explore the possible causes of the problems our students encounter will help create a framework for understanding that will significantly affect the success of any attempts to change the problem behaviors.

For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com

Tuesday Tip – Learned Routines

If we don’t teach them a routine to accomplish a task, they will develop their own routine.  The problem results when the routine that they develop is not appropriate or efficient.  Once their routine is established, it is difficult to make changes.  Consequently, it is better to make sure that new tasks are learned in appropriate sequences.  It is also prudent to teach tasks and routines with a long-term view so students won’t have to spend valuable time unlearning behavior appropriate only for younger children to relearn more mature behavior as they get older.

For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com

Tuesday Tip – Generalization

What we learn from one experience gets stored into our brains in a “storage data base.”  When we become involved in another situation, our brains go back to the data base to see if there are any similarities or if something was learned in the first situation that will have application for handling the second situation.  Some students with disabilities, particularly those with autism, are observed experiencing considerable difficulty generalizing learning from one situation or setting to another.

For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com

Tuesday Tip – Medical Support

Finding medical support from someone who understands the unique needs of children with disabilities, (particularly with autism), is important. Because of their poor communication skills and their unique behavior patterns, these students are more difficult to evaluate.  The solutions to some of their medical needs are not simple.  Knowledge about emerging medical discoveries related to this population will affect treatment decisions.

For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com

Tuesday Tip – How Do You Define Behavior Problems?

Here are some descriptions that people would classify as behavior problems:

1.  When a student’s behavior is causing injury or harm to himself or others
2.  When a student’s behavior prevents him from participating effectively in his life routines
3.  When an individual uses behavior as an inappropriate or ineffective means of communicating
4.  When he is engaging in behaviors or activities that are different from what is expected from him because of age, ability level, location, event, or activity
5.  When she is not following or complying with the rules, routines, or expectations of specific occasions or environments
6.  When the student is not performing skills or engaging in actions or interactions effectively
7.  When the individual is not performing his life routines at the level of independence expected for his age and ability level
8.  When a student does anything that calls attention to himself, making him significantly different from his peers

Accurately describing a behavior problem is the first step toward solving it.
For more tips visit http://AutismFamilyOnline.com