3.2 Adjust negative reinforcement strategies if the target skill or behavior is not increasing

Data collection and review provides visual evidence of the effectiveness of the negative reinforcement strategy being used. If the skill/behavior is not increasing, the EI team and family must try to identify the reason why.

The following questions can help identify the issue if the target behavior is not increasing:

  • Is the skill or behavior well defined? Is it measurable and observable?
  • Is the negative reinforcer actually aversive to the toddler?
  • Is the toddler able to access the removal of the negative reinforcer without using the target skill or behavior?
  • Is everyone using the negative reinforcers consistently?
  • Is the negative reinforcer being removed immediately as soon as the toddler uses the target skill or behavior?