Scheduled Breaks

Noncontingent Reinforcement to “Fill the Cup” and Prevent Problem Behavior

Scheduled Breaks—also known as Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR)— strategically build short movement, calm-down, or connection moments into the day so learners’ sensory and social-emotional needs are met before they escalate. By embedding quick sensory, mindfulness, or peer-interaction breaks in Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and classroom routines, BCBAs, special-education teachers, and parents keep attention high and frustration low.

Why use Scheduled Breaks?

  • Up to 90 % drops in disruptive behavior. Decades of NCR research show dramatic reductions in escape- and attention-maintained behaviors when preferred activities are delivered on a preset schedule.
  • Longer on-task engagement. Meeting sensory and social needs proactively boosts sustained attention and academic productivity—especially for learners with ADHD, autism, or anxiety.
  • Better self-regulation and mood. Predictable movement or mindfulness breaks lower cortisol levels and help learners return to work calm and ready to learn.

What you’ll unlock inside BIP Visualized:

  • A step-by-step overview of how to use this evidence-based strategy
  • Ability to customize images and descriptions to individualize for your learner
  • Aligning, printable visual resources to support teaching and generalization
  • Ability to add this visual strategy and more to build a custom-made visual BIP tailored to your learner’s needs

Start your free trial to access the Scheduled Breaks strategy and build a personalized, team-friendly visual Behavior Intervention Plan today.

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