Every parent has the tough task of addressing challenging behaviors at some point. But managing unexpected, difficult or dangerous behaviors with a neurodivergent child can be especially trying. Our Akron ABA therapy team can help.

Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) at Therapy & Wellness Connection’s multidisciplinary pediatric clinic work closely with children and families to help manage and reduce challenging behaviors. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective approaches for addressing these behaviors in children, especially those with autism or other developmental disorders.

But while ABA therapy is effective in the clinic, it’s just as important for parents to implement consistent strategies at home.

Here, our Akron ABA therapy team offers practical tips for parents to manage challenging behaviors at home using ABA principles. These strategies will help you better understand your child’s behaviors, reinforce positive changes, and create a more structured, supportive environment.

1. Understanding Challenging Behaviors: The ABCs of ABA

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand the framework that ABA therapy uses to analyze behavior: the ABC model, which stands for Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.

• Antecedent. What happens right before the behavior occurs? What triggers or leads to the challenging behavior?
• Behavior. The actual behavior itself, whether it’s hitting, yelling, or refusing to follow instructions.
• Consequence. What happens immediately after the behavior? Does the child receive attention? Are they removed from the situation?

Understanding the antecedents and consequences of a behavior is crucial in identifying why the behavior is happening and how it can be managed. The goal is to modify these antecedents and consequences to encourage positive behavior and reduce challenging ones.

2. Reinforcement: The Power of Positive Reinforcement

One of the core principles of ABA is positive reinforcement. This means providing a reward or positive outcome immediately after the desired behavior occurs, increasing the likelihood that your child will repeat that behavior.

Here are some tips on how to use positive reinforcement effectively at home:

• Identify What Motivates Your Child. Every child is unique, and what motivates one child may not work for another. Some children respond well to praise, while others may be motivated by toys, snacks, or extra playtime. Find what works best for your child.
• Be Consistent. Reinforce positive behaviors consistently. For example, if your child uses words instead of tantrums to ask for something, immediately praise them or provide the reward they were seeking. Consistency helps reinforce that good behavior leads to positive outcomes.
• Use Immediate Reinforcement. Reinforcement is most effective when it happens right after the positive behavior. If there’s a delay, your child may not make the connection between the behavior and the reward.

3. Managing Challenging Behaviors: Focus on the Function

Every behavior serves a purpose, even challenging ones. In ABA, we often categorize behaviors based on their function, which typically falls into one of four categories: escape/avoidance, attention-seeking, access to tangibles, or sensory stimulation.

Once you understand why your child is engaging in a specific behavior, you can begin to address it effectively.

• Escape/Avoidance. If your child’s challenging behavior is an attempt to escape a task or avoid a situation (e.g., throwing a tantrum to get out of homework), it’s important not to reinforce the behavior by allowing the escape. Instead, break the task into smaller, more manageable steps, and reward them for completing each step.
• Attention-Seeking. If the behavior is a way of gaining attention (even negative attention), try to minimize your reaction to the behavior. Instead, reinforce positive behaviors with your attention. For example, give praise when your child is playing quietly or following instructions.
• Access to Tangibles. If your child engages in challenging behaviors to gain access to a toy or food, don’t give in immediately. Instead, teach them alternative ways to request what they want, such as using words, gestures, or a communication device, and reinforce these appropriate behaviors.
• Sensory Stimulation. Some children engage in behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking for sensory input. For these behaviors, try offering alternative sensory activities that provide similar stimulation, such as squeezing a stress ball or using a weighted blanket.

4. Setting Clear Expectations and Routines

Children with challenging behaviors often thrive in structured environments where expectations are clear and consistent. Creating routines and setting expectations at home can help reduce behaviors triggered by confusion or unpredictability.

• Create Visual Schedules. Visual schedules are a great tool for helping children understand what to expect throughout the day. This reduces anxiety and helps your child transition between activities more smoothly.
• Set Clear, Simple Rules. Keep household rules simple and easy to understand. Post them in a visible location and go over them regularly. For example, “We use kind words” or “We clean up our toys after playing.”
• Provide Predictable Consequences. Consistency in how you respond to both positive and negative behaviors is key. Ensure that consequences (both rewards for positive behavior and consequences for challenging behavior) are predictable and happen every time the behavior occurs.

5. Stay Calm and Be Patient

It can be challenging to manage difficult behaviors, especially when they occur frequently or escalate quickly. However, your reaction can have a big impact on how your child responds. Staying calm and modeling appropriate behavior can help de-escalate the situation. Take deep breaths, remain composed, and remember that progress takes time.

Akron ABA therapy isn’t an overnight fix, and it’s normal for behaviors to take time to change. But with consistent strategies, clear communication, and a structured environment, you can help your child make significant strides toward positive behavior.

Managing challenging behaviors at home can be difficult. But with the right ABA strategies, you can create a more peaceful, positive environment for your child. By understanding the function of the behavior, using positive reinforcement, and maintaining consistency, you’re giving your child the tools they need to succeed. If you ever need additional support, our team at the clinic is here to help. Your child’s Akron ABA therapy team can even help you build a customized plan to address your child’s unique needs and foster lasting behavior change.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides ABA therapy to children in Akron, Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

Treatment of severe problem behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities, Jan. 27, 2022, International Review of Psychiatry

More Blog Entries:

Akron ABA Therapists Explain Why ABA is “Gold Standard” Autism Treatment, Sept. 29, 2024, Akron ABA Therapy Blog