One of the most effective times to support behavior is before a problem occurs.
Key Idea
Change the conditions that make success more likely.
What This Can Look Like
Before a difficult activity: - preview what is coming - show a visual - offer meaningful choice - reduce the size of the first step - clarify when the activity will end - make help available - allow processing time
✓Try This
- •Ask: “What can I change BEFORE this situation that would make the expected skill easier to use?”
Keep in Mind
Antecedent strategies are not about removing every challenge. They are about arranging support so the student can access learning, communication, regulation, and increasing independence.