Many behavior management elements require specific interventions tailored to the person and behavior. Planned ignoring is a strategy used in behavior management in response to an abnormality or disruption. Responding to disruptive behaviors can be challenging for parents, staff, or healthcare professionals. The tactic's premise is to reduce or eliminate the attention an individual receives from exhibiting the act. When a person displays attention-seeking behavior, any response, whether positive or negative, is embraced. Therefore, when the issue is ignored, the precursor may also decrease. In simpler terms, an attention-seeking behavior that is enabled is viewed as reinforcement for the person and usually the person's exact result. Nevertheless, the most critical factor is ignoring the challenging behavior, not the person.
To effectively implement the intervention of "planned ignoring," the parent, family, or staff must avoid giving a reaction while maintaining supervision. Also, developing a positive reinforcement environment where positive behaviors are praised and redirected negative behaviors would benefit any person. The planned ignoring approach must occur when an antecedent or warning sign of the behavior has been identified. When the attention-seeking behavior begins, redirection for any inappropriateness should immediately occur by informing the person of the issue and then offering a preferred activity. The parent, family member, or staff should only be reactive when the behavior has already occurred.
Cultivating skill development and developing a positive environment are valuable methods to assist with the plan-ignoring approach. An intermittent reinforcement schedule where some target issues are reinforced may help the person establish the difference between right and wrong in a typical environment. Skill development is also essential in modifying a person's behavior because the acquisition teaches new ways for self-expression instead of using inappropriate ways to gain attention. It could also replace the behaviors as coping methods regarding anger management or self-abusive issues.
Promoting a positive environment can help anyone flourish where a person-centered approach, preferences are available, choices are offered, and support is received. Planned ignoring can be efficient if it is appropriately used for the right reasons.
