These strategies include rewarding appropriate behavior, token systems, shaping and modeling behavior, and contracting. When using behavior management strategies, it is most important to be very consistent and follow through with the strategy used. Behavior expectations need to be clearly defined for children with a severe behavioral handicap. Using behavior management requires careful thinking and commitment over a period of time. In addition, parents must realize that there will be relapses.
Children respond differently to various discipline strategies or techniques.
Parents may need to try more than one approach to determine the most effective one for their child. Refer to the Behavior Management Cards for additional information on appropriate discipline techniques for children with severe behavior problems. In addition to helping these children develop social skills and increase self control, they need to learn basic self-care skills and to participate in vocational programming during adolescence. The following poem describes the feelings of a child with severe behavior problems well. The thundering shadow hovers over me shoving aside my long cherished confidence and pride.