Automatically maintained behaviour or behaviour maintained by sensory stimulation is typically some of the more difficult behaviours to target as part of an intervention plan. Sensory maintained behaviour is basically any maladaptive behaviour that manifests because it feels good. That can look like hand flapping, mouthing, head banging, nail biting, even eating lots of chocolate or binge watching a series can be considered automatically maintained behaviour.
In this episode we discuss whether the behaviour in question is even one that ought to be reduced. Just because a behaviour is not deemed socially appropriate does not necessarily mean that it should be decreased. Social appropriateness alone is not a good enough reason. If the behaviour is harmful to the self/others or perhaps interferes with the learning of new skills and the development of relationships, then we might put an intervention plan in place.
Potential interventions include:
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