Redirect & Encourage

Extinction + Supportive Redirection for Escape, Access, and Sensory Behaviors‍

Redirect & Encourage combines extinction with gentle guidance to validate a learner’s feelings, pause reinforcement for the challenging behavior, and immediately direct them to a more helpful skill—whether that’s asking for a break, using AAC, or choosing a calming strategy. This ABA approach lets BCBAs, special-education teachers, and parents reduce problem behaviors while still providing a calm, supportive presence aligned with trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Why use Redirect & Encourage?

• Significant drops in escape- and access-maintained behaviors. Research shows extinction paired with redirection can cut problem behavior by 60 – 80 % while preventing emotional escalation.
• Faster adoption of replacement skills. Prompt, supportive redirection and immediate reinforcement build functional communication and coping strategies that meet the same need.
• Maintained trust and emotional safety. Acknowledging feelings before guiding to a new response preserves rapport and reduces the likelihood of future escalations.