Defiant

Strategies for helping a child with the arousal regulation problem of being defiant include:

• Limit choices
  
  Example: Which of these two toys would you like to play with now? (NOT) What toy do you want?
  
  Example: Do you want milk or water to drink with snacks? (NOT) What do you want to drink with snacks?
  
  
• Maintain a predictable schedule:
  
• Use a nonverbal cue to direct the student's attention to you before presenting the direction
  
  Example: Hand the student pictures showing what you will be discussing.
  
  
• Explicitly define the purpose of the lesson and/or the student's expectation
  
  Example: Work system with containers and finished folder for task for younger children.
  
  Example: Explain what you expect on a writing assignment: Say, "Before you turn this into me, check that all the things on this list are complete."
      [ ] Sentences begin with capital letters
      [ ] Sentences end with a (. ? !)
      [ ] Known words are spelled correctly
      [ ] The sentences make sense
      Yes or No I read the sentences back to myself and they make sense, my writing is neat, and I tried my best.
  
  
• Have the student restate the directions in their own words to check for their understanding.
  
  
• Establish a consistent Behavior Management Plan.
  
  
• When giving a direction, avoid using phrases "I want you to ..." to limit the triggers for power struggles.
  
  Example: 'Morning Work Time' class schedule