@abanaturally: The reason this worked? ⤵️ I looked at the function—the why—behind Grace’s running behavior. In her case, the function was automatic. It wasn’t about getting attention, escaping something, or trying to access a specific item. She simply enjoyed the sensory experience of running.  So instead of trying to stop the behavior altogether, I taught her how and when it was okay to run, by asking and waiting for me to say yes—so she could still access that same experience in an appropriate way. But if the function is different, the strategy needs to shift. Depending on why your child runs, you might teach them to: 🌟 Let you know when they’ve had enough of errands (escape) 
🌟 Ask to play a game or chat (e.g., “Would You Rather,” “I Spy,” “Story Chain”) (attention) 
🌟 Say, “Can I have that?” or “Can we go there?” instead of bolting toward what they want (access to item/activity) At its core, behavior boils down to two things: 1. You want something and are trying to get it 2. You don’t want something and are trying to avoid it When we focus only on stopping a behavior, we often see new ones pop up, or the challenging behavior escalates—because we haven’t taught a better, more effective way to get their needs met. Understanding why the behavior is happening is the first step to creating a plan that actually works, one that meets their needs, keeps them safe, and actually works long term. P.S. The moment they do the thing you’ve been teaching? Celebrate it. Reinforce it like crazy. That’s how it becomes their new go-to. ➡️ Comment TOOLKIT for a free mini crash course video on 4 crucial strategies every parent must know to make life easier. #aba #appliedbehavioranalysis #behavior #parenting #parentsoftiktok #positiveparenting #parentingtips

Jenna, BCBA, NYSLBA, M.S.Ed

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Wednesday 23 July 2025 00:15:06 GMT