Behavior Interventions
Token Boards:
A token board is a system in which an individual earns tokens for targeted behaviors. Once he/she has collected a predetermined number of tokens he can trade them for an item or activity that he desires.
When a student has an individual behavioral need, it may be necessary for an individualized token board. Students with autism typically need more specific reinforcement and may not be motivated by a classroom- based token system. This program follows the steps to developing an individualized token board system.
First, it is important to identify the behavior by using ABC data sheets. This type of data will help teachers be able to determine what is happening before the behavior occurs, what the behavior looks like, as well as what happens immediately after the behavior. Teachers will also try to determine why the behavior is occurring using the acronym MEATS (Medical, Escape, Attention Seeking, Tangible, Sensory). Data can also be collected by frequency, how many times the student engages in a behavior or for how long. Token boards should be introduced in order to help increase positive behaviors, such as sitting for 2 minutes without getting out of his/her sit.
When a student has an individual behavioral need, it may be necessary for an individualized token board. Students with autism typically need more specific reinforcement and may not be motivated by a classroom- based token system. This program follows the steps to developing an individualized token board system.
First, it is important to identify the behavior by using ABC data sheets. This type of data will help teachers be able to determine what is happening before the behavior occurs, what the behavior looks like, as well as what happens immediately after the behavior. Teachers will also try to determine why the behavior is occurring using the acronym MEATS (Medical, Escape, Attention Seeking, Tangible, Sensory). Data can also be collected by frequency, how many times the student engages in a behavior or for how long. Token boards should be introduced in order to help increase positive behaviors, such as sitting for 2 minutes without getting out of his/her sit.
Individualized Token Boards:
Token boards should be individualized for the student. If the student likes dinosaurs, then dinosaur tokens can be provided. Some boards can use stars, cookies, smiley faces…etc. The number of tokens on the board depends on the amount of time the board will be used (e.g., all day or for 10 minutes) and the number of times the child needs to be reinforced during that time period.
If student is on a timed token board system, then for every predetermined amount of time the student is engaged in positive behavior, he/she receives a token. Once all tokens are earned, the student will be able to engage in a desired activity for a predetermined amount of time.
If student is on a timed token board system, then for every predetermined amount of time the student is engaged in positive behavior, he/she receives a token. Once all tokens are earned, the student will be able to engage in a desired activity for a predetermined amount of time.
First/Then Boards:
A First Then Board is a visual strategy used to help children with language and/or behavior needs complete specific tasks. This strategy displays two pictures. The "first" is usually a picture of a non-preferred activity and the "then" is a picture of a preferred activity. The child must do the first before being able to do the second activity. It helps with both receptive and expressive communication. Children benefit by know exactly what is expected of them. In addition, by using pictures, the visual is there for the child to refer to even after the word is gone.