Functions of Behavior

Building Compliance Series (entry 1)

So, let’s kick the series off with one of the most important pieces of information to know before putting an intervention in place. What is that you may ask? Well, the first and one of the most important pieces of information to figure out when choosing an intervention to address compliance or any other behavior is…..the function of the behavior. There are 4 possible functions of behavior. I have created a visual to help us understand the functions of behavior better. You can download this resource for free here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Functions-of-Behavior-Visual-5552367 In order to find the function of the behavior, you must look at the ABCs. Antecedent-what happens right before the behavior. Behavior-what is the behavior. Consequence-what happens after the behavior or what is the reaction of others to the behavior. You must look at the ABCs of the behavior to determine the function. Here is an example: I presented by child with a homework task. My child immediately throws himself in the floor and begins screaming “no” while kicking his feet. I gave in and allowed my child not to complete the task. What are the ABCs in this example? A-presented child with homework task; B-child began threw self in floor screaming “no” and kicking feet; C-child did not have to complete task. Based on this information, what do you think is the function of the behavior? I would say that the most likely function of the behavior is escape. Because I allowed my child to escape from completing this task, the likelihood of him exhibiting this same behavior when I ask him to complete homework again is pretty good. This is why it is so important to know the function of your child’s behavior. You need to know the function in order to address it with an appropriate intervention. Otherwise, you could accidentally reinforce the behavior and as a result, it will likely happen each time the same antecedent occurs. The functions of the behavior are the foundation or building blocks for any effective plan to address the behavior. I hope that you have found this information to be useful for your child!!! Next week, we will continue this building compliance series with 2 easy and very practical interventions!! Please share this page so that we can help as many families and professionals as possible!!! With Love, Kimberly W.