Functions of Behavior
All behaviors occur for a reason. Understanding why a person engages in a particular behavior helps teach a more appropriate alternative behavior. There are four main reasons for behavior, known as functions:
| Function | Example | More Appropriate Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory/Automatic |
– A person plays with their feces because the texture feels good. – A girl plays with her apple juice by slurping and spitting during lunch. |
– Play with peanut butter or a flour and water mixture with the same consistency. – Chew on ice chips or popsicles throughout the day and at lunchtime. |
| Escape |
– A student cries and yells when told to clean up toys. – A client hits their therapist on the arm when told it’s time to read. |
– Ask/mand for a break using vocal, sign language, or a visual card. – Break down the task into smaller steps with brief breaks in between. |
| Attention | – A boy pulls items off a table and throws them to the ground when mom is on the phone. | – Tap mom on the shoulder or arm, say her name, hand an “I want you” card, or grab her hand. |
| Tangible |
– A person bites their arm when told they cannot have a cookie. – A person cries and falls to the floor when they want access to a favorite toy. |
– Learn to tolerate “No”. – Ask/mand for the item vocally, by pointing, or with a picture card. |
The ABC’s of Behavior
How do we identify the functions of behavior? By paying attention to the A B C’s of behavior:
- Antecedent: What happens right before the behavior.
- Behavior: The behavior itself.
- Consequence: What happens right after the behavior.
Scenario #1: 4-year-old Laura is told to share her fruit snacks with her little brother, Larry. She then
screams and cries. Mom gives Larry his own bag of fruit snacks.
Antecedent: Laura is told to share her fruit snacks with her little brother, Larry.
Behavior: Laura screams, cries, and runs.
Consequence: Mom gives Larry his own bag of fruit snacks.
Laura’s screaming and crying resulted in her not having to share. Mom placed a demand for her to do something and she tantrummed to get out of it.
The function of Laura’s behavior is:
Scenario # 2: Dad is talking on the phone and Robert starts screaming. While talking on the phone,
Dad picks up Robert and Robert stops screaming.
Antecedent:
Behavior:
Consequence:
The function of Laura’s behavior is:
Scenario # 3: At school, the snack time bell rings, Sarah screams for pudding and the teacher’s
assistant gives her pudding.
Antecedent:
Behavior:
Consequence: