Reinforcement:

What are some reinforcing consequences you can deliver either immediately following the desired behavior or following a practice session– things that this particular student enjoys, wants, seeks out, etc.?

Practicing skills such as these can be frustrating and anxiety-provoking.  Some students may feel overwhelmed or express worry about getting sick and having to miss work.  If this is the case, be sure to provide calming choice activities on the student’s schedule to follow these practice opportunities.

Are you using labeling and social praise to make the contingency between desired behavior and reinforcing consequence clear to the student?

What reinforcing consequences can you emphasize that are more naturally or intrinsically connected to this targeted behavior? 

Here are a few naturally reinforcing consequences to emphasize when you target these sub-skills:

• If I am sick, I call in, and then can rest for the remainder of the day.  Then, I will feel better so I can get back to work.
• If I am sick, I follow the rules about calling in, and then I keep my supervisor happy. 
• If I use my schedule to manage and plan upcoming events (appointments, vacations), I can give the appropriate notice and ask off when I need to, then I am more likely to get those days off.
•  If I go to work (instead of calling in sick just because I don’t feel like going to work that day), I will keep my supervisor happy.  And then, when I really do need to miss work for a legitimate reason, my supervisor will be more likely to accept this request without giving me a hard time.