Decoding Behavior: The ABC Scientific Model
Clinical psychologists use functional behavior analysis to "read" the intent behind actions. Behavior is never random; it serves a purpose. Use this interactive tool to understand the Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence framework.
Click each phase to learn how professionals analyze a seemingly "unpredictable" behavioral event.
Antecedent
What happened right before?
Behavior
What did the person do?
Consequence
What happened as a result?
Select a phase above to see a clinical example of how a meltdown is analyzed.
Communication Strategies: A Practical Cheat Sheet
How you communicate matters as much as what you say. These evidence-based strategies reduce friction, build trust, and keep conversations productive — even under stress.
🗣️ De-escalation Phrases
"I can see this is really hard right now."
Validates without adding demands
"You don't have to talk right now. I'm here."
Removes verbal pressure during overload
"Would it help to go to your room/quiet space?"
Offers control and an exit route
"We can talk about this later, when it feels easier."
Defers problem-solving to a regulated state
Avoid saying:
"Calm down." / "Stop overreacting." / "You're being dramatic."
"Why would you do that?" — "Why" questions add cognitive load during dysregulation.
📱 When Words Fail: AAC Alternatives
Speech may shut down under stress. Having backup communication methods ready is essential.
Text / Typed Messages
Agree in advance that texting is always allowed, even in the same house. It reduces processing load significantly.
AAC Apps
Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, Cboard (free/open source). Set these up before a crisis, not during.
Pre-made Feeling Cards
Laminated cards with "I need quiet," "I need help," "I need time alone." Co-create these with your young adult during a calm period.
Agreed Signal Words
A code word like "red" that means "I'm overwhelmed and need immediate space, no questions asked."
📅 Visual Schedules & Predictability
Predictability dramatically reduces anxiety. Visual schedules give the brain a "preview" of what's coming.
- → Use a shared calendar app (Google Calendar, Cozi) with visual color-coding by activity type.
- → Give "time until" warnings: "In 15 minutes we need to leave." Then 10 min, then 5 min.
- → For task sequences, use a numbered whiteboard or sticky notes visible in their space.
- → For new environments: provide photos of the destination, parking, and where to enter beforehand.
- → Use "First/Then" language: "First we stop at the pharmacy, then we go straight home."
💬 Structuring Conversations
Unstructured conversations can feel overwhelming. These adjustments make dialogue more accessible.
- → Be literal. Avoid sarcasm, idioms, and implied meanings without checking for understanding.
- → Give processing time. Wait at least 10 seconds after asking a question before repeating or redirecting.
- → One request at a time. Multi-step verbal instructions compound working memory load.
- → Side-by-side conversations (driving, walking) are often easier than face-to-face.
- → Write important things down. "Here's what we agreed: [written list]" helps with working memory.
Tip: Use Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) to print this page. Navigation and buttons are automatically hidden, giving you a clean caregiver reference sheet.