Blocking Unsafe Behaviors

Official title: Response blocking + redirection

A three-step approach to responding to unsafe behaviors

Goal

Have a calm, consistent response to unsafe behaviors.

How

When a learner attempts an unsafe behavior, the teacher will first block the behavior, then immediately redirect the learner to a replacement skill. It is important that the teacher first understands why the unsafe behavior is occurring (the function), so they can redirect to an effective replacement behavior.

Context

Use this strategy following learner engagement or attempt at an unsafe behavior such as aggression, elopement (running away), or self-injurious behaviors.Blocking is actually a punishment procedure, as it aims to reduce the behavior that just occurred. Make sure that if you use this strategy, your behavior plan also includes (and prioritizes) a reinforcement strategy.

Tip

Educators and service providers should not be placing their hands on a learner unless they are trained in safe crisis management. If your learner often engages in unsafe behaviors, collaborate with the team to create a Behavior Escalation Plan.

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