The Overall Goal:

You know that you’ve been successful with a behavior intervention when you make the undesired behavior(s):

• irrelevant (so there's no need to do it);

• inefficient (so there are easier ways to get what you want); and

• ineffective (so the problem behavior(s) no longer work to produce the desired outcome). (Roberts, 2017)

For Meaningful and Long-Term Behavior Change

The individual needs to learn either:

• A new replacement skill, or

• A more effective version of a skill they already have

The replacement skill must be:

• Easier than the problem behavior

• Faster than the problem behavior

• Reliable in getting the need met

• Reinforced consistently by staff

• More socially appropriate and acceptable

For example, if the individual yells or refuses when overwhelmed, staff can reduce triggers and respond calmly. However, long-term progress requires teaching the person how to request a break, ask for help, signal discomfort, or tolerate a delay.