(Not in Online Resources
Disorders of Initiation
Following are general strategies to help individuals who have difficulties initiating behavior:
- Use environmental cues and triggers such as audible alarms, visual signs, or written notes or calendars. Selectively reinforce desired responses to cues to increase the likelihood of their occurring. Reinforce appropriate behaviors of initiation with verbal praise, physical touch, or access to desired items of activities.
- Link behaviors that occur together naturally (e.g., always take medications at mealtimes) to increase initiation of the target behavior.
- Referral to a physical for consideration of anti-parkinsonian medications (e.g., dopamine agonists).
- For individuals with difficulties in initiation related to depression, consider antidepressant medications (e.g., serotonin agonists).
- Consider family psychotherapy to assist in developing behavioral strategies and realistic expectations.
- Consider individual psychotherapy to build adaptive coping behaviors.
- Allow extra time to initiate and complete tasks.
- Encourage the individual to pace themselves.
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