Determine what behavior to modify or replace by observing the individual in a variety of settings. People generally display negative behaviors to communicate thoughts or feelings and not because they are badly behaved. Expose the person to a variety of environments to reveal where the behavior occurs most frequently and why the individual feels the need to engage in negative behaviors in that location.
Speak directly with the person, his family and other acquaintances to get a better idea of what is important in his life and why the behavior is occurring. This can give a lot of insight as to what the individual is trying to communicate by using negative behaviors.
Determine an appropriate replacement behavior and decide when it should apply in the person's everyday life. Make clear the focus and purpose of the positive behavior. The behavior should promote acceptable actions in society.
Break the appropriate behavior or task down into small and clear objectives. This encourages quicker success instead of teaching the entire task at once. Move on to the next task as the person masters each one.
Determine where, and under what conditions, the individual should practice the behavior. Specify the expected amount of change before moving on to the next objective. Make sure each objective is measurable.
Discuss and model the replacement behavior with the person. Practice the appropriate behavior or smaller objectives of the behavior in the appropriate environment.
Use positive reinforcements if necessary. Children who are learning to apply appropriate behaviors may display the action more frequently if they receive a tangible reward each time they act fittingly. The task should be the reward for adults who are learning replacement behaviors. Beneficial interactions with their peers and surroundings will act as a positive reinforcement.