Which type of strategy focuses on managing behavior during its occurrence?

The correct answer is the type of strategy that emphasizes addressing behavior as it happens, which is known as reactive strategies. Reactive strategies are implemented in response to an individual's behavior and involve immediate interventions aimed at managing or modifying that behavior during its occurrence. This approach is essential in situations where an individual's behavior may escalate or become disruptive, allowing practitioners to intervene effectively to minimize negative outcomes.

Within a reactive framework, practitioners may use techniques such as redirection, prompting, or providing consequences that are directly associated with the behavior. This ensures that the response is timely and relevant to the specific situation, thereby potentially altering the trajectory of the behavior in real-time.

Understanding these strategies is crucial for practitioners working with individuals on the autism spectrum, as they may need to quickly adapt their interventions to support the individual effectively during moments of behavioral concern. Other strategies, such as proactive ones, focus on preventing behaviors before they occur and often involve planning and anticipation, rather than responding to behaviors already in progress.