Posts by Peter Beddow
Consistency in Times of Disruption (Part 2 of 7): Attitude and Speech
This post is part of 2 of 7 in a series for parents on dealing with times of inconsistency, change, and disruption – such as we’re experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and around the world. Each post contains a strategy or concept that families may find useful as they navigate these…
Read MoreConsistency in Times of Disruption (Part 1 of 7): What is Important?
This post is the first of a 7-part series for parents on dealing with times of inconsistency, change, and disruption – such as we’re experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and around the world. Each post contains a strategy or concept that families may find useful as they navigate these strange times.…
Read MoreHow To Use Task-Based Grounding
When problem behavior has been reinforced intermittently over a period of time (which, as we understand behavior, anything that happens with any frequency has been subject to reinforcement in the past) caregivers often express the desire to implement “consequences” (i.e., punishments) to reduce the behavior. As a “behavior guy,” and a student of the science…
Read MoreDr. Beddow and Accessible Hope: Vision and Philosophy
Peter Beddow, Ph.D., BCBA-D is the President and CEO of Accessible Hope, LLC, an organization and therapy center for children and adolescents with a broad range of abilities and needs. We also provide training, tools, and support to parents, teachers, schools, and organizations. The purpose of our company is to facilitate hope for a full,…
Read MoreFive Reasons Why Every Child’s Day Should Begin with Sharing Time
For many years, I have used and recommended procedure for starting a child’s day, whether you are a school teacher, Sunday School teacher, or parent. In my experience, implementing this procedure can vastly improve instructional outcomes, specifically by increasing student time spent learning through reducing distractions. When I was a school teacher, I began every…
Read MoreThree Pitfalls to Avoid When Giving Directions to Children
Giving directions is a necessary part of teaching children, not only for getting things accomplished, but also for building solid relationships with them. Over the course of time, I’ve noticed three common pitfalls that many adults stumble into when they give directions to children. Learning to avoid these pitfalls can save time and keep you…
Read MoreRate vs. Frequency of Behavior: What’s the Difference?
I’m often asked, “What is the difference between rate and frequency?” Frankly, I’ve often wondered myself. In the years I’ve been reading behavioral research and writing, I never discovered whether there was a difference between the two behavioral measurement terms, and in the back of my mind, I always figured I must be missing a…
Read MoreWhy I Don’t Use a Timer to Track 2 Minutes
There are innumerable times teachers, parents, and other caregivers need to track (approximately) 2 minutes worth of time. Indeed, I suggest adults track 2 minutes for a wide variety of techniques. Only rarely do I suggest adults use a timer to keep track of 2 minutes. Here is why. ”2 minutes” is a Terrific Tool…
Read More