The model sets forth two major tenets. First, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in kids are best understood as the byproduct of lagging cognitive skills in the domains of flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving (rather than as attention-seeking, manipulative, limit-testing, or a sign of poor motivation). In other words, challenging behavior is a form of developmental delay. Second, these challenges are best addressed by collaboratively resolving the problems that are setting the stage for challenging behavior (rather than through reward and punishment programs and intensive imposition of adult will).