Stop Think Do

Abstract

STOP THINK DO was developed in a clinic as a group social skills training program for children and adolescents, referred with social-behavioural problems. It also involves the child’s critical social supports including parents, teachers and peers to ensure transfer and maintenance of skills in the real world.

The program is a cognitive-behavioural-motivational approach to social skills training which is both didactic and experiential. The STOP THINK DO method of social problem solving is the core of the program, following the traffic light symbol, a simple cue for learning the process for children and adults alike.

Through liaison with educationalists, the clinical treatment program has been adapted with a preventive focus for use in school classrooms, incorporating a social skills training curriculum and a teacher training program. Research described in the paper indicates the utility of the program to enhance social competence in children in clinic and school settings.

The STOP THINK DO method is also useful as a framework for motivating learning in any child, including those with attention deficits, learning disabilities or gifted under-achievement. In essence, the application of the STOP THINK DO model in either a social or learning context attempts to de-emotionalise these areas, and empower the child with cognitive and behavioural skills with motivation to change through peer and adult support.