Functions of Behavior The Four Main Functions of

Functions of Behavior

The Four Main Functions of Behavior A. KA. WHy People Do What then Do Attention Escape Access 2 Automati c

1. A contingency in which a response gains individual access to attention Attention: What kinds of attention might reinforce behavior? Eye roll contact Sighing Reprimand Making it into a Comforting game Commenting on behavior in front of them Another student commenting “What do you want? ” Talking about their mood behavior later Laughing 3 Cuddles ”Why are you ____? ”

2. Escape: A contingency in which a response terminates an ongoing stimulus In what contexts might escape motivated behavior Physical occur? prompting Morning drop -off Meals Staff Transitions Presentation switch of a program Unfamiliar demand people Student approaching coming to ADLs sit with Loud Sitting a them environments the table 4

Access: 3. A contingency in which a response gains individual access to a tangible item or activity But what do they want? You to offer new options To be in the other room To watch the video someone else is watching That toy you just took away A snack To lie down To play on the i. Pad 5 Their parent s to come back A toy in the other room All of the blocks in the tent

4. Automatic: Reinforcement that occurs independent of the social mediation of others What can we do? Give them Present a something demand for that an delivers a incompatible similar Reinforce response sensory the input absence of Redirect to Interrupt a different the Teach an Make the activity incompatible behavior more 6 difficult Reinforce an alternative response Signal availability

But it’s not always just one thing. Problem behavior often has multiple functions, and it’s easy to add new ones accidentally! That’s how they were learned in the first place. 7

So how can we get ahead of problem behavior? Think of the possible functions of problem behavior, and set yourself up for success! Prompt communication in conditions that have previously evoked problem behavior. Give lots of attention all the time! Give warnings, firstthen statements, and establish reinforcers before presenting demands. Push toleration and communication programs for access to tangible items and activities Follow antecedent interventions in the Behavior Support Plan! 8