We used behavior modification. Despite its bad reputation, it’s actually very effective. It works well with young children, non-verbal and those who aren’t ready for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or REBT (rational emotive behavior therapy). Actually behavior mod works for everyone, even fully functional adults.
In special education, we focuses on positive reinforcement over negative reinforcement (removal of positive) and punishment. We teachers learned that for every “negative” (admonishment, correction, discipline, thou-shalt-not) we should give four positive supports (praise, reward, encouragement, smiles, hugs.
This isn’t candy-coated hand-holding. Positive just plain works better. From years in general ed and homeschooling, these principles work there too. I’ve written for years about this kind of instruction. I’m writing a series on initiating special education techniques in the general education classroom.
These are principles we should be using with all students. They are more effective than traditional educational techniques.
