Definition of Redirecting Challenging Behavior
Redirecting Challenging Behavior is a procedure (a.k.a. “ignore/interrupt-redirect-reward”) used in response to an individual’s disruptive or destructive behavior, as a way of teaching the individual to access reinforcement through more acceptable means. The procedure involves ignoring the individual’s challenging behavior or interrupting it if necessary; redirecting the behavior to something more positive; and then rewarding (i.e. reinforcing) the more positive alternative behavior.
Categories of Challenging Behaviors
- Stereotypic
- Self-injurious
- Aggression
- Inappropriate social behaviors
- Disorders of physical regulation
Reasons Why Individuals with IDD Engage in Challenging Behaviors
- Skill deficits
- Lifestyle issues
Basic Two-step Method for Responding to Challenging
Behaviors
- Provide no value for the behavior
- Redirect the behavior into something more rewarding for the individual
Steps for Redirecting Challenging Behavior
- Ignore the challenging behavior (or interrupt the behavior if it
is physically harmful to the individual or others).
- Redirect the challenging behavior to a more acceptable
alternative behavior.
- Reward any approach toward an alternative behavior.
