What happens immediately after behavior can affect what happens next time.
Key Idea
Respond calmly, keep the response proportional, and look for the next useful behavior you can reinforce.
What This Can Look Like
A student refuses a large assignment. Instead of entering a long debate: Acknowledge briefly. Clarify or reduce the first step if appropriate. Prompt the replacement skill. Reinforce beginning, accepting help, or appropriately requesting support.
✓Try This
- •Ask: “What is the next small behavior I want to see?” It might be: - returning - asking for help - using a communication strategy - beginning one step - waiting - choosing between two options
Keep in Mind
Do not wait for perfect behavior before acknowledging progress. Small successful steps can be the bridge back to participation and regulation.