Misfit Minute 15: Can’t or Won’t? How to Tell If It’s a Skill or Motivation Issue

Sometimes behavior looks like defiance—but what if it's actually a missing skill? In this episode, Audra walks you through a simple visual tool to help determine whether a student’s challenging behavior is due to a skill deficit (“can’t”) or a motivation issue (“won’t”). Using her quadrant graphic, she explains the four learner profiles (Engaged, Frustrated, Avoidant, Resistant) and gives practical strategies for supporting each one.

Whether you're a teacher, para, or BCBA, this is a must-listen for decoding behavior and supporting students in meaningful ways.

🔑 Key Takeaways
• Use a skill × motivation quadrant to understand student behavior
• “Can’t” behaviors need scaffolding, skill building, and celebration of small wins
• “Won’t” behaviors require adjusted reinforcement, more choice, and real-world relevance
• There are 4 types of learners based on skill and motivation—support looks different for each
• Staff modeling matters: share your own learning struggles to build connection

📦 Resources Mentioned
• “Can’t Do vs Won’t Do” visual (in the Misfit Behaviorists FB group and linked in show notes) or here → https://abainschool.com/mm2w
• Related episode: 5 Preschool Behavior Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep66 • Crisis Cycle Creation → https://abainschool.com/ep57 • FBA process starts here! → https://abainschool.com/ep31
• ABA in School blog → https://abainschool.com
• Free token boards → https://abainschool.com/ymnr

🙌 Join Us & Share
• Keep the conversation going in our Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
• Subscribe for more short tips + full-length strategy episodes
• Share this with a teammate who works with reluctant writers or early learners

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

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👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

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