Because of his biological mother’s drug and alcohol use during pregnancy, it is very likely that Patrick may have an intellectual disability. Intellectual disabilities are characterized by deficiencies in both intellectual and adaptive behaviors (Hallahan, Kaufmann, & Pullen, 2009). According to the observations in the case, Patrick has difficulty with adaptive behaviors as well as speech and language development. It is not clear is Patrick has academic intellectual disabilities because of his age, but those might become more prominent as he is exposed to more demanding learning during his elementary …show more content…
Research has shown that the most important element in behavioral management programs is being consistent with both rewards and consequences (Hallahan, Kaufmann, & Pullen, 2009). In the case of Patrick, the teachers are consistently and appropriately encouraging and redirecting Patrick’s behaviors. It is clear that the staff has a commitment to using their management program on a long-term basis. I also believe that it is appropriate for the staff to use a positive reward system for encouraging Patrick’s pro-social behaviors. Currently, the staff members are using verbal praise and nurturing techniques when Patrick is eliciting the correct behavior. As Patrick gets older, the staff members might also want to consider using some type of reward system for Patrick (Hallahan, Kaufmann, & Pullen, 2009). This could be a simple checklist that is completing daily to assess the different types of behaviors that Patrick elicits. At the end of the day, Patrick would then be rewarded with a prize or privilege. I would also suggest that the staff members find some way to integrate the behavioral management plan into Patrick’s home life. For long-term results, it is important that Patrick experiences this learning at home as well as in a school setting (Hallahan, Kaufmann, & Pullen,