BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PLANS CAN WORK WELL FOR PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN BECAUSE CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS ARE OFTEN ENCOUNTERED WHEN RAISING A CHILD ON THE SPECTRUM.

By Carol TATOM, RBT

Firstly, you might be asking: “What is a behavior management plan?” Well, a behavior management plan or BMP is designed to help a student or child change negative behaviors into positive, and more appropriate behaviors. Also known as a behavior intervention plan (BIP), it is important for both parents and teachers of students with autism to follow, so there’s consistency between both environments, when working to eliminate challenging behaviors.

What should a Behavior Management Plan include?

A behavior management plan should be thorough. Any possible influencing factors that could trigger behaviors can be identified and contingencies planned.

Profile

A behavior management plan should include some identifying information about the student or child. What is their home environment like? Who do they live with? Do they get along well with their siblings? All of these factors could influence behaviors in both a positive or negative way.

Behaviors to work on

A behavior management plan should also include a description of the negative behaviors you want to address and change. These behaviors should be clearly described so that other individuals who may come to work with your child will be able to recognize these behaviors as they collaborate with you on a common goal.

Triggers

Identifying triggers causing negative behaviors is also noteworthy on a behavior management plan. It can help maintain a happy and stable environment at school and with new individuals such as therapists and babysitters who may work with your child.