Are you looking for ways to support students who run away from school experiences? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not give the learner additional chances to run away by seating the learner in the hallway, sending him from class, etc.

2. Take into account alternative forms of negative consequences if current consequences cause the learner to run away. Do not use negative consequences that contribute to a worsening of the situation.

3. Intervene early and often to prevent the learner from becoming upset enough to run away.

4. Give the learner a quiet space as an alternative to running away. This can be a space where the learner elects to go as a form of self-control instead of running away.

5. Find the learner’s favorite learning activities and give as many of these as possible throughout the day.

6. Do not criticize when correcting the learner; be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the learner to feel bad about themselves.

7. Intervene early and often when there is a problem to prevent more severe problems from happening.

8. Make sure there will be adult supervision at all times for the learner (e.g., during P.E., recess, lunch, etc.).

9. Always treat the learner with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.

10. Do not embarrass the learner by giving them orders, requirements, etc., in front of others.

11. Teach the learner acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

12. Take the learner away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

13. Teach the learner to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening?” “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?”).

14. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

15. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.