Top tips from a Los Angeles Behavior Analyst
At Creative Learning Studio, we are incredibly fortunate to work with so many wonderful Allied Professionals.
We sat down with Lisa Topp, one of our long-time colleagues, and an experienced Behavioral Analyst in the Los Angeles area.
Read on for our interview with Lisa, as well as her terrific suggestions to help keep things calm for your kiddos (and you)!
WHAT SETTING DO YOU WORK IN, AND WHAT TYPE OF CHILDREN DO YOU WORK WITH?
I work with families in the home, supporting problem behaviors. I also provide shadows for children who need support in the classroom. I support children with autism, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, OCD and ODD. I also support children without a diagnosis, who are engaging in problem behaviors due to the family systems (such as divorce). I work with children as young as 2, and teens up to age 19.
WHEN WOULD A FAMILY BENEFIT FROM BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT IN THE HOME?
If there are challenging behaviors happening daily or multiple times per week (aggression, property destruction, screaming, swearing)
If there is constant arguing, and refusal from the child/teen to do homework, self help tasks, or follow any direction
If parents are feeling overwhelmed and can’t manage the household without yelling and threatening consequences
WHEN WOULD A CHILD BENEFIT FROM A SCHOOL SHADOW?
If behaviors are dangerous to the child or others
If behaviors are impeding learning or socialization
If the child is unable to access the curriculum independently
If the child is struggling socially and is isolated during social periods
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS TO HELP MANAGE BEHAVIORAL ISSUES IN THE HOME?
1. Focus on the positive! Remind the child/teen of what needs to be done, and how they can access preferred activities. Do this instead of threatening to take things away. For example, say, “I know you really want some iPad time today. Let’s get going on the homework so that there is time before dinner for you to watch a show. Do you need help?” Instead of, “if you don’t do your homework, I am taking away your iPad.” Always focus on what you want them doing, not on what you don’t want them doing. Use reminders instead of threats.
2. If you are seeing common triggers, ask yourself why. For example, if behaviors are consistently occurring around homework, look to see why. Has your child had a break between school and starting homework? Did they have a snack? Did you connect with your child? Did anything happen at school that they need to talk about? Do they understand the homework? Do they need help? Do they know what homework is due tomorrow versus next week? Are they in a quiet space free of distractions so that they can focus? Can they take breaks after short work periods? Look to see what they need to be successful. Then tie some reinforcement to it!
3. When going to stores, have a plan before going to avoid getting into battles about what to buy. Be clear! Then hold the boundary.
4. Always think for a minute before saying “no.” Once “no” is given, stay with no. Do not change no to yes to avoid or stop a challenging behavior. Ask yourself if you are going to be able to support a challenging behavior if no is given. If you are ultimately going to give in with enough whining, crying and begging, then just say yes and avoid the whole tantrum! Also, when saying no, let the child know when it will be available. For example, if your child wants pizza for dinner, but the chicken is already in the oven, say, “mmm pizza sounds good. Tonight is chicken night. But how about we have pizza night on Saturday night”!” If behaviors occur, support your child. Give some empathy but hold the boundary. If your child stays calm and says, “ok,” then praise and let him/her know how proud you are for staying calm!
For more information about Lisa’s services, you can contact her at (310)709-2885, or visit her website at lisatopp.com.