A New Approach to Behavior Change

Dr. J. Stuart Ablon joins Jill Stowell of the LD Expert Podcast which features answers and proven solutions to learning disabilities and attention challenges.

Dr. Ablon shares an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to behavior change: Collaborative Problem Solving^®.

Not long ago we used to think that kids who struggled to read were lazy or dumb. However, we still think kids with behavioral challenges just aren't trying hard enough to behave well. Just like with learning disabilities, kids with behavioral challenges don't lack the will to behave well. What they truly lack are the skills to behave well.

In this episode from the LD Expert, you'll learn:

• A perspective shift in how challenging behaviors are due to lack of the right thinking skills
• The ingredients of Collaborative Problem Solving
• Examples for when and how to apply Collaborative Problem Solving
• The cognitive skills, including Executive Function skills, that are developed when using Collaborative Problem Solving

Dr. Ablon shares that behavior consists of cognitive skills that can be developed. This is radically different from conventional wisdom’s view that assumes good behavior is a natural thing that everyone should just know - it is or it isn’t. How we perceive the behavior sets the stage for how we intervene. If we believe that a child doesn’t want to behave well, then we’ll respond with rewards and consequences. But if we see that the behavior is due to something deeper like the inability to tolerate frustration, then we can be more understanding and approach the behavior with more compassion and collaboration.

Tune into this episode to learn more about how to apply this approach to behavior change.