Shaping Behavior Change when ADHD is in the Picture

Behavior change in ADHD doesn’t always follow a slow, linear path. Sometimes progress is gradual and shaped over time and sometimes the right intervention produces rapid, meaningful change. This workshop focuses on how to design and adjust behavioral interventions so they are responsive to how ADHD learners actually learn. Participants will explore shaping, reinforcing response effort, breaking tasks down, selecting effective prompts, and using modeling to support progress. Emphasis is placed on recognizing when to build step-by-step and when to capitalize on momentum, with a focus on functional progress and generalization rather than perfect responding in the moment.

1. 11. Apply shaping and reinforcement strategies that account for response effort and variability in learners with ADHD. 2. Modify task demands, prompting strategies, and instructional conditions to improve engagement and learning. 3. Evaluate behavior change using indicators of functional progress and generalization rather than immediate correct responding alone.