As explored in last week’s post, all behaviors exist to serve a specific functional purpose.  In order to determine the best course of action for addressing a maladaptive behavior, it is important to first  understand its roots.

The “whys” of  behavior lie in the following functions:

1.       Escape/Avoidance

2.       Attention

3.       Access to tangible

4.       Sensory (Automatically Reinforcement)

Escape and avoidance behaviors occur in the face of undesirable activities or stimuli. For example, a child may run away from the table when he/ she is asked to complete their homework.

Attention seeking behaviors occur with the intention of gaining some form of attention, whether it be positive or negative. For example, a child may make loud noises in class to humor their peers.

A child may display maladaptive behaviors in order to gain access to a tangible/preferred stimuli. For example, a child may scream and cry in order to obtain an iPad or a snack.

Finally, sensory motivated behaviors exist fulfill some sort of stimulatory function. For example, a child may twirl in circles because they enjoy the spinning sensation. Another child may chew on  inedible items because they enjoy the stimulation on their gums

One behavior can serve a completely different function between different children. In order to successfully identify the function of a specific behavior for each unique ray of sunshine, the collection and analysis of data is key!

Written by: Stella Lee, BA

References 

Hanley, G.P., Iwata, B.A. and McCord, B.E. (2003), FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR: A REVIEW. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36: 147-185. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2003.36-147