How to Make a Behavior Chart for Your Special Needs Child

Behavior charts can make a huge difference in the life of your special needs child. Special needs children often do not understand consequences. A behavior chart shows the child exactly what will happen if they do something that is an unacceptable behavior. They can also show your special needs child how well they are doing with learning a new behavior. An example of this could be using their manners at the dinner table, or picking up their toys when they are finished playing. Here is an example of how you can make a behavior chart for your special needs child.

Materials you will need to make a behavior chart are as follows.

Dry erase board- The size is up to you. Figure out where you want to place your behavior chart then you can see how much room you have. You can find dry erase boards at discount stores like Big Lots or Ollie's. Craft stores will have them, but they might cost a little more.

Dry erase markers- They must be dry erase so you can reuse the board over again.

Velcro- You will find this item at craft stores or mass retailers like Wal-mart and Target.

A picture of your child or their favorite character- This will be what you use to move up and down the behavior chart. You can have your child help pick out a favorite picture of themselves, or a picture of their favorite cartoon character. I recommend laminating this to protect it.

Now that you have the materials, you can begin making your behavior chart. Follow these simple steps and your behavior chart will be complete in a short time. You can do a rough draft of your behavior chart on paper first if you would like.

Step one- Decide what behavior or behaviors you want to work on. Will you be using your behavior chart for positive or negative behaviors? When dealing with a special needs child, it is a good idea to start with one or two behaviors. If you try too many, they will become overwhelmed, and you will not see much success.

Step two- Figure out and write down what the consequences will be for the negative behaviors, or what rewards you will use for the positive. Special needs children will often not respond the same way as other children would to discipline or rewards. You have to find what will work for your child. This can be a trial and error situation. If you find the behavior chart is not working for your child, change it. It can take a few attempts before you find one that will work for your child.

Step three- After you have written your consequences or rewards on the behavior chart you can attach a piece of velcro next to each one. Also, attach a piece to the back of the picture you will be using. If you do not have velcro, you could substitute scotch tape.

Now all you have to do is hang your behavior chart in an area that your special needs child can easily see. Make sure to go over the chart with them. It is important that they understand what is expected of them, and what will happen if they do not follow through.

It may take some time for the behavior chart to work. The most important piece of advice I can offer is to be consistent. If your child learns that you will not always move them down on the chart for bad behavior, they will see no reason to make any changes in their behavior.