Preventing Behavior Before It Starts
Antecedent interventions modify the environment to prevent problem behavior from occurring. They are proactive, not reactive. This is a favorite topic in the RBT practice exam.
Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR)
Giving the reinforcer (like attention) on a time schedule, regardless of behavior. If a child engages in behavior for attention, giving them high-quality attention every 5 minutes reduces the motivation (MO) to misbehave.
High-Probability Request Sequence (High-P)
Ask the client to do 3 easy things ("Touch nose, clap hands, give high five") before a hard thing ("Sit at table"). The momentum of saying "yes" carries over. It builds behavioral momentum.
Functional Communication Training (FCT)
Teaching the client to ask for what they want ("Break please") instead of acting out. You are replacing the behavior with communication. This addresses the function directly.