When addressing behavior that serves to seek attention, what is an effective response?

When addressing behavior that seeks attention, responding by ignoring the undesirable behavior while praising the appropriate behavior is an effective strategy. This approach leverages the principles of operant conditioning, whereby behaviors that are reinforced are more likely to be repeated.

By ignoring the inappropriate behavior, you remove the attention that the individual is seeking through that behavior. In contrast, when you give praise or attention to the appropriate behaviors, you reinforce those behaviors, making them more likely to occur in the future. This method effectively shifts the focus away from negative behaviors and encourages positive interactions, promoting a more constructive environment for communication.

This strategy is commonly recommended in communication disorders settings because it helps reinforce desired behaviors without inadvertently encouraging the undesired ones. It also helps in building a more positive interaction, which is crucial for effective communication and development.