Tangible
Getting something
The behavior may help get or regain an item, activity, food, location, or privilege.
Watch for: denied, delayed, removed, or unavailable items.
At Home Strategies
Understand the pattern. Choose a tool that fits.
Learn the four common functions of behavior, apply an ABC lens to one moment, and receive non-restrictive supports to discuss with your care team.
Temporary activity
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1
Learn
Understand the four functions
2
Apply
Look at one moment with ABC
3
Receive
See matched supports and why
1
Learn
The four common functions of behavior
The same behavior can happen for different reasons. These are four lenses to consider—not a diagnosis or confirmed function.
Escape
Getting out of something
The behavior may help delay, reduce, avoid, or end something difficult or unwanted.
Watch for: demands, transitions, waiting, endings, or discomfort.
Attention
Getting someone
The behavior may reliably produce talking, helping, comforting, correcting, or another response.
Watch for: another person was busy, unavailable, or elsewhere.
Automatic
How it feels
The behavior itself may provide sensory input, stimulation, regulation, relief, or comfort.
Watch for: it also happens alone or without an obvious social outcome.
Think like a detective, not a judge. Ask what changed before and after instead of assigning motives to the child.
2
Apply
Use ABC to examine one moment
Select what was most true. Do not include names or identifying details.
ABC organizes an observation. It does not prove why a behavior occurred.
3
Receive
See what may be worth noticing
Complete A, B, and C to unlock this section.
Possible requires at least two details pointing in the same direction.
Common Ground supports the conversation
This activity helps caregivers notice useful details. A BCBA can assess the pattern, consider the full context, and individualize treatment.