In Applied Behavior Analysis, redirection means guiding someone away from a problem behavior toward a better choice. It’s a fundamental ABA strategy. Instead of waiting for a tantrum or unsafe action to happen, therapists try to prevent it. By noticing early signs of trouble (like restlessness or fixating on a toy) and stepping in gently, caregivers keep the learner on track.
Redirection gives children clear guidance and an alternative to bad behavior, often without the child even noticing the shift. In this article, you will explore different techniques used for redirection, its examples and benefits of using it as a proactive strategy.
What is Redirection?
Redirection is a proactive way to steer behavior. Rather than scolding a child for doing something wrong, you offer a substitute action. For example, if a child starts shouting, an adult might calmly say, “Please use your quiet voice” or prompt them to raise a hand instead.
This use of a “go” statement (telling the child what to do) is more effective than just saying “Stop!”. Redirection can involve talking, showing, or moving the child to another activity. It works across many settings: classrooms, therapy rooms, and home.
By gently shifting attention, it helps the child learn the right thing to do next. In fact, ABA professionals emphasize that redirection is done while respecting the child’s autonomy and dignity, not through punishment.
In short, redirection keeps things positive and respectful, helping the learner focus on good choices instead of mistakes.
Redirection Techniques
ABA therapists use simple, clear methods to redirect behavior. The main techniques include verbal prompts, visual cues, and activity shifts:
1. Verbal Prompts
This means using words or sounds to tell the child what to do. For example, instead of yelling “Don’t hit!” a teacher might calmly say, “Use gentle hands, please.” A verbal prompt can be a direct command or a question that guides the learner toward the right action.
Good verbal prompts are positive “go” instructions. For instance, saying “Show me your walking feet” tells the child exactly what to do, rather than just telling them to stop running. Short, kind reminders like “Hands to yourself” or “Let’s use our indoor voice” can quickly redirect attention.
These prompts work best when the adult speaks in a calm tone and quickly offers the right alternative.
2. Visual Cues
Sometimes showing is better than telling. Visual cues use pictures, signs, or gestures as reminders of the desired behavior. For example, a teacher might point to a chart that shows a raised hand when it’s time to ask questions or hold up a card that means “time to settle down.”
These visual reminders help the learner understand what to do. In autism therapy, practitioners often use picture cards or tokens to signal the next activity. A child who gets stuck can be shown a picture of blocks if it’s playtime or a break icon if it’s time to rest.
Visual cues serve as a gentle nudge; placing a favorite toy next to a picture (a positional prompt) can encourage the child to match the picture with the action. Using gestures or showing an object often redirects a child better than words alone.
3. Activity Shifts
This technique redirects by offering a different activity or choice. If a child is about to engage in an unwanted behavior (like grabbing something fragile), an adult might immediately present a preferred alternative, such as “Here’s your ball; let’s bounce it!”
Redirecting with an activity shift could mean offering two good options (“Would you rather play with blocks or draw a picture?”) or simply handing over a toy the child likes.
For instance, when a child repeatedly reaches for a sibling’s toy, a parent might say, “Let’s both play with the puzzle” and join in, turning a potential fight into cooperative play.
Therapists often jump into the new activity with the child or enthusiastically demonstrate it, making the swap smooth and fun. By giving the child something interesting to do, activity shifts pull focus away from the problem behavior without confrontation.
Examples of Redirection
Common examples of redirection include:
At Classroom
A teacher uses redirection to keep students on task. In a classroom setting, redirection might look like this: if a student starts talking out of turn, the teacher could quietly point to a “Raise Hand” poster and say, “Let’s use our walking feet in the hall,” guiding the student back to the rules. This mix of a verbal prompt and a visual cue refocuses the student’s attention.
At Home
Imagine a toddler reaching for a hot pan. A parent might quickly pick up the pan and immediately hand the child a toy, saying, “Here, play with this instead.” By swapping the pan for a fun toy, the parent redirects the child to a safe activity.
Or if two children are arguing over a ball, a parent could intervene with, “Let’s all do a puzzle together,” offering a new, enjoyable group activity. These swaps stop mischief before it grows into a tantrum.
Therapy Session
With a child in autism therapy who is flapping hands, a therapist might calmly hand them a fidget toy or start a simple game. For example, saying, “Look, bubbles! Let’s make some bubbles together,” redirects the behavior into something more appropriate.
The child’s focus shifts smoothly from the flapping to popping bubbles, and the repetitive behavior is interrupted without scolding. In each case, the adult steps in before the problem escalates, guiding the child to the new action.
Benefits of Redirection
1. Builds Good Habits
Redirection gives clear guidance and practice in doing the right thing. Children learn to replace bad habits with good ones. Every redirected action is an opportunity for the child to learn and receive positive feedback, strengthening the new behavior.
2. Prevents Outbursts
By intervening early, redirection often stops problems before they start. This means fewer meltdowns and less stress. ABA experts emphasize that preempting behavior is easier than reacting later.
Keeping a step ahead prevents a small trigger from turning into a big problem. Over time, this means calmer classrooms and households, because learners spend less time in conflict.
3. Encourages Positive Interactions
When adults use redirection instead of punishment, interactions stay positive. Instead of shouting or time-outs, the child experiences a friendly guide. This builds trust: the child learns that adults are on their side, helping them choose the right actions.
4. Supports Skill Development
Redirecting isn’t just about stopping bad behavior; it teaches new skills. When we guide a child toward a better action, we help develop their social and thinking abilities. For example, redirecting a tantrum into counting blocks teaches turn-taking or focus. In the long run, children generalize these skills to other situations.
5. Respects the Learner
Redirection is gentle and respectful. It doesn’t humiliate or punish. The child is not simply told “no,” but is shown a positive option. This respect helps maintain the child’s confidence and willingness to cooperate.
6. Creates a Supportive Environment
Redirection empowers caregivers and teachers. By having a strategy to guide behavior, adults feel more confident and positive. They create a learning environment where mistakes are handled constructively.
Conclusion
Redirection is a proactive ABA tool that keeps learners on track. Using simple methods like speaking calmly, showing the right behavior, or offering a choice, adults can guide children smoothly from a bad action to a good one.
This approach prevents problems early, teaches new skills, and keeps the atmosphere positive. When therapists, teachers, or parents use verbal prompts, visual cues, and activity shifts, they steer behavior in a constructive way. The result is fewer outbursts for the child. Redirection, done consistently and kindly, helps children learn what to do (not just what not to do), making everyday life smoother for everyone.