Collaborative Problem Solving

The Collaborative Problem Solving approach was suggested to us as an effective way to help Alex. The approach is in contrast to many commonly practiced approaches such as positive reinforcement and negative consequenses. Both of which we've experienced very little success when used with Alex. It's much more about understanding your child and getting to know them better, helping them feel safer and loved, and figuring out where their behaviors may be coming from. I know that sounds ridiculously simple, but I swear, I already see the validity.

Take a look at this article When a Parents 'I Love You' Means 'Do as I Say'. It talks of a similar concept.

And here is what Wikipedia has to say about CPS...

Collaborative Problem Solving

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) is a behavior management approach developed for children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The CPS approach—originated by Dr. Ross W. Greene in his book, The Explosive Child (1998; 2001; 2005) and subsequently in his book Lost at School (2008) -- views behavioral challenges as a form of learning disability and seeks to correct behavior through cognitive intervention. While studied[1] primarily in children with Oppositional Defiance Disorder, it has been suggested for behavior management in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Asperger syndrome, and autism.
CPS is important in the world beyond children with disorders. The National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing(CRESST) listed “higher order thinking, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and problem solving…” as important skills in the working world. These skills are taught in schools and are useful considering that in the workforce most people have to work in groups. In addition empirical evidence shows that the cognitive development of students is improved by CPS. Creative Problem Solving can be broken down into multiple components. The two largest categories are collaborative learning and problem solving. Collaborative learning is exploded into six skills: communication, leadership, interpersonal, decision making, coordination, and adaptability. Problem solving is divided into content understanding, problem solving strategies and self-regulation. The latter two are broken down further. Problem solving strategies can be domain independent or domain dependent. Self-regulation involves motivation, reduced to effort and self-efficiency, and metacognition, which is made up of self-checking and planning.[2]

I've already purchased the book cited above and I am anxious to dig into it! I'll let you know my thoughts.