Behavior Modification for Down Syndrome Children

Effects

• Down syndrome can cause issues in learning, language and motor coordination. According to Mayo Clinic, the developmental problems vary from moderate to severe. These problems can affect how you try to manage your child's behaviors.

Basics

• The goal of behavior modification is to reduce an unwanted behavior while increasing a wanted behavior. According to National Youth Network, it is effective for many children, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other conditions.

Target

• Decide what behavior you'd like to stop and what behavior you'd like to encourage---such as the child learning to ask for something in lieu of screaming for it. According to the National Down Syndrome Congress Center, it is important to understand what is bringing on the child's behavior and make sure she is capable of understanding and performing a more appropriate response.

Decrease

• Extinction---ignoring or not rewarding the behavior---is one method to decrease a behavior. Another method is punishment, or doing something the child does not like. An example would be putting a toy in a locked cabinet or putting your child in her room.

Increase

• To encourage a positive behavior, give your child something he wants when he stops doing something he shouldn't. For instance, reward him with his desired toy when he asks for it, or allow him out of his room.