Have you ever played the toy drop game? Maybe you know it by the highchair game? If you’ve ever spent time with an infant, you have definitely been at least an unwilling participant in this game. The oh-so-cute baby drops the toy and you, without thinking too much about it, lean over and pick it
Defining Behavioral Science: Extinction Read More »
Inconsistent reinforcement sounds like a big concept, but I promise it’s not! A child–whether atypically developing or typically–will repeat behaviors that are reinforced or rewarded (this is positive reinforcement) and will most likely not repeat behaviors that are not reinforced or punished. We all understand this concept as human beings; after all, we see it
The danger of inconsistent reinforcement (and how to avoid it) Read More »
We already know that behavior is simply any action that can be observed and measured. And we’ve learned that ABA therapy can greatly help kids with autism. Part of ABA therapy is teaching new skills, and another part is discouraging undesirable behaviors. We’re going to focus on the teaching new skills part. One thing your
Creating social narratives to help kids with autism Read More »
Have you heard of descriptive praise? By the name alone, you can probably guess that it involving praising your child in a descriptive way, but how is descriptive praise different than any other type of praise? Let me give you an example. Your kid says, “Mom! Watch me!” and then jumps from the diving board
Defining behavioral science: Descriptive Praise Read More »
You’ve decided to get help for your child in the form of therapy, and have reached out to a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist. Good job! But how to navigate the parent and therapist partnership? You will need to work as a team with mutual respect, support, and guidance. Here’s what you need to know: Trust
When to use punishment in parenting is a hot topic. It’s also pretty commonly used in parenting, and it doesn’t necessarily deserve the bad rap it gets. Punishment, from a behavioral perspective, is just a method of decreasing behavior and helps us to learn what things are not good for us. A burn from the
When to use punishment in parenting: things to know Read More »
My child really enjoys having his hand down his pants…and it always seems to be at the most embarrassing moments, like when we’re in public! First of all, breathe, mama. It’s normal. It’s also normal to feel embarrassed by this behavior, and to cringe when your child is exploring his body in line at Target
Ask the expert: Help! My kid’s hand is always down his pants Read More »
Any attention is better than no attention! When it comes to children and attention, is that true? And if it is true, is it correct? And if it’s correct, why? And more importantly, WHY?! Attention is very valuable to children, and not just children, but people. We need it and we crave it and we
Children and attention: is any attention better than no attention? Read More »
Depression vs bipolar disorder is confusing. Most parents are familiar with the concept of a depression diagnosis, and hopefully, you know what signs to look for when you think your child or teen may have depression. Depression is more than just feeling low or being moody. It’s a deep feeling of sadness, lack of interest,
Depression vs Bipolar disorder: what is the difference? Read More »
In the fall of 2020, we were preparing to move 10,000 miles from northern Virginia to southeast Asia for three years. Prior to doing so, our family decided to take one last “Goodbye America” road trip across the United States from Virginia to Oregon to visit family out west. The whole family was excited, but our three
Things your child needs in their emotional suitcase Read More »