Behavior Reduction Therapy for Challenging Behaviors
Behavior reduction
Helping children reduce challenging behaviors and build safer, more effective ways to communicate, cope, and succeed.
At AWC Behavioral Health, we provide behavior reduction therapy designed to decrease behaviors that interfere with learning, relationships, and daily life. Using evidence-based ABA strategies, we focus on understanding why behaviors occur and teaching meaningful skills that support long-term success.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can support your child.
Behavior Reduction Therapy
Who We Help
Behavior reduction therapy is designed for children who experience challenging behaviors related to:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delays
- Behavioral or emotional regulation challenges
Common behaviors we address include:
- Aggression or self-injury
- Severe tantrums or meltdowns
- Property destruction
- Noncompliance or refusal
- Elopement (running away)
- Difficulty managing emotions or transitions
Our goal is to reduce unsafe or disruptive behaviors while helping children gain skills that improve independence and quality of life.
ABA-Based Approach
Our ABA-Based Approach to Behavior Reduction
We use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to understand behavior at its root and create lasting change.
Rather than simply stopping behaviors, we focus on:
- Identifying what the behavior communicates or accomplishes
- Teaching safer, more appropriate replacement skills
- Reinforcing positive behaviors consistently across environments
All treatment plans are:
- Individualized to the child’s needs
- Data-driven to track progress objectively
- Flexible and adjusted as the child grows
This approach helps children succeed at home, school, and in the community.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Effective behavior reduction starts with understanding why a behavior happens.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Understanding the Function of Behavior
Every behavior serves a purpose. A child may be trying to:
- Gain attention
- Escape a difficult task
- Access a preferred item or activity
- Regulate sensory or emotional discomfort
By identifying the function, we can create strategies that address the cause, not just the behavior itself.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Our Assessment Process
An FBA may include:
- Direct observation of the child
- Review of behavior history
- Caregiver interviews and collaboration
We analyze what happens before, during, and after the behavior to identify patterns and triggers.
Intervention
Individualized Behavior Intervention Plans
Once the assessment is complete, we create a custom behavior intervention plan that fits naturally into your child’s daily routines.
Each plan focuses on:
- Reducing challenging behaviors
- Teaching functional replacement skills
- Supporting family goals and priorities
- Promoting consistency across environments
Behavior Reduction Therapy
Teaching Skills That Replace Challenging Behaviors
Behavior change is most effective when children learn what to do instead.
Functional Communication Skills
We help children learn to:
• Ask for help or breaks
• Express emotions appropriately
• Request preferred items or activities
• Use alternative or augmentative communication when needed
Improved communication often leads to immediate reductions in frustration and problem behavior.
Coping and Emotional Regulation
Children are taught strategies such as:
• Waiting and tolerating frustration
• Using calming techniques
• Asking for support
• Managing transitions and changes
These skills help children navigate stressful situations more successfully.
Compliance and Flexibility
We support children in learning to:
• Follow instructions
• Transition between activities
• Tolerate non-preferred tasks
Skills are built gradually and reinforced positively to encourage cooperation and confidence.
core part of our therapy
Positive Reinforcement Strategies
Positive reinforcement is a core part of our therapy.
We identify meaningful motivators such as:
- Praise and social reinforcement
- Preferred activities or items
- Token systems or individualized rewards
Reinforcement strengthens appropriate behaviors and reduces reliance on challenging ones over time.
We also ensure that challenging behaviors are not unintentionally reinforced, helping prevent them from continuing.
Behavior Reduction Therapy
Parent Involvement & Home Support
Lasting progress happens when families are involved.
Parent Training & Coaching
We provide hands-on guidance to help parents:
• Understand their child’s behavior
• Implement behavior plans confidently
• Respond effectively to challenging situations
Consistency Across Daily Routines
We help families apply strategies during:
• Meals and playtime
• Transitions and bedtime routines
• School preparation and community outings
Consistent expectations help children feel secure and support skill generalization.
Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustments
Behavior change is not one-size-fits-all.
We continuously:
• Track progress using data
• Review caregiver feedback
• Adjust strategies as needed
This ensures continued improvement and helps prevent regression.
NEED HELP?
Ready to Manage Challenging Behaviors More Effectively?
If your child’s behaviors are impacting daily life, behavior reduction therapy can help.
At AWC Behavioral Health, we combine compassion, clinical expertise, and evidence-based ABA strategies to support meaningful, lasting change.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule an initial consultation.