According to the Kazdin technique, punishment alone does not change bad behavior and teach a new more appropriate behavior. Even gentle punishments, like time-out, or reasoning, does not work by itself.
The fundamental principle in the Kazdin technique is to positively reinforce a behavior you want to see until the negative behavior is replaced. It can be applied to all children but it can be especially helpful if your child has ADHD.
Applied behavior analysis focuses on 3 steps in changing behavior:
1) What comes before the behavior
2) How you craft the behavior
3) What you do at the end, after the behavior occurs
One of the most important tools in getting your child to behave in a certain manner is the appearance of choice. The appearance of choice increases the likelihood of compliance.
For example, if you are trying to get your child to brush their teeth, you can give them the option of eating a snack then brushing, or playing a game then brushing. The appearance of choice is there but brushing is inevitable.
Dealing with the behavior itself.
If you are seeking compliance and it is achieved, you praise the behavior, or use ‘positive attention’.
You also should try and have the child practice the behavioral changes in order to lock in the habits. The change can usually take about one to three weeks to take hold.
What are Positive Opposites?
Positive opposites are behaviors that are the exact opposite of problem behaviors.
For example, leaving a mess is a problem behavior whereas cleaning up, is the opposite of the problem behavior.
Whenever you want to get rid of something, think of what you want in its place.
For example, if your child’s behavior is running in the house, you want to replace it with walking in the house.
Research shows trying to suppress certain behaviors by using guilt or control will lead to escape behavior on the part of the child. It will lead them to avoid you as soon as they get home from school and it will model negative interactions toward you.
Reasoning With Your Child
It is also important to reason with your child because it changes how they process things and think. But while it may help problem-solving, it is not influential in changing their behavior.
Dr. Gordon is an experienced ADHD expert. He is devoted to helping you learn more about ADHD and find solutions for each individual’s needs. Please feel free to contact us for any concerns or questions regarding ADHD about yourself, or a loved one.
The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.
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