Table 1.
Behavioral parent training program session outline.
Sessions | Topics addressed |
---|---|
A. Basic behavioral
principles |
Introduce overall goals Introduce concepts of antecedent, behavior, and consequence model Introduce the concept of the functions of behavior Introduce how to evaluate and monitor behavior Review completion of sleep diary form |
B. Addressing
prevention techniques and bedtime routines |
Discuss preventive techniques Discuss general sleep hygiene recommendations Develop daily schedule and bedtime schedule and routine Develop visual schedules How to develop social stories when appropriate |
C. Addressing
reinforcement and extinction procedures for bedtime struggles, night awakenings and early morning awakenings |
Introduce concept of reinforcement and teach contingent implementation of reinforcement Introduce concept of extinction / planned ignoring Introduce use of different extinction techniques to specifically address sleep problems (bedtime struggles, night awakenings, early morning awakenings). Decide upon reinforcement and extinction, and scheduled awakening procedures to implement as appropriate. |
D. Addressing
delayed sleep onset and sleep association procedures |
Introduce the concept of stimulus control and its relationship to sleep behaviors Introduce faded bedtime routines and review bedtime routine Introduce teaching new sleep associations Develop specific procedures for teaching new sleep associations |
E. Booster and
maintenance session |
Revise and tweak procedures and techniques based on review of sleep diary data and parent-report of progress Discuss strategies for maintenance of behavior change Generate ideas of what to do if changes do not or have not been maintained |
OPTIONAL MATERIALS: compliance training |
Introduce parents to the concept of compliance Generate a list of compliance commands Generate a list of noncompliance commands Go over the steps for teaching compliance Identify correct and incorrect use of compliance training via video Role-play correct use of compliance training Go over how to use compliance training to teach a child to “stop.” Problem-solve if things go wrong. Design a compliance training plan for the home. |
OPTIONAL
MATERIALS: addressing nighttime fears |
Review why children may have fears around bedtime or nighttime Review their child’s fears with parents Discuss a plan for parents to reassure their child Discuss a plan for the parents to teach their child “brave skills” and other coping strategies For children with severe and specific fears, teach parents how to implement systematic exposure |