Free ABA Resources for Parents
What is the function of behavior? TLBA Kyle Strunk walks parents and guardians through the functions of behavior found in Applied Behavior Analysis. Change the way your family sees the world with ABA! This video provides Parent Training skills for parents and guardians of loved ones with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental diagnoses.
The Function of Behavior
First; what is a Function?
A major barrier for some parents is their ability to communicate effectively with their child or loved one. A large portion of typical problematic behaviors can be traced back to break downs in functional communication (this will be covered in a later section). By using body language that is exhibited and observation of antecedents you can begin to identify what your child is trying to achieve through these behaviors.
Some consequences after a behavior can be reinforcing to current behaviors and help us identify why a behavior occurs and is maintained.
In behavior analysis, there are four major functions of behavior.
Access
The function of access is best described in terms of an individual’s movement in the environment to obtain a specific tangible item, participation of a preferred activity, or spending time with a preferred person.
I.e.(child screaming for an ice-cream or a boy tantruming for screentime on his tablet.).
Attention
The function of attention is the one most parents are familiar with. Attention would best be described as the observable behavior, actions, or sounds that leads to others in the environment responding to the behavior either physically or verbally.
I.e. (a boy screams while mother is on the telephone, or a girl pushes her sibling who is getting one on one time with mother.).
Escape/Avoidance
The function of escape or avoidance, can be referred to as any behavior an individual exhibits with the goal of removing oneself from an environment or other aversive stimuli, or the behavior prolongs or delays the presentation of a task demand or changes in the environment. Put plainly escape is any attempts to avoid a task/demand/or environment.
I.e.(Property destruction to be removed from classroom or a child screaming while sitting on Santa’s lap.).
Automatic/Sensory
In the field of behavior analysis we work with many neuro-divergent behaviors. When these behaviors are exhibited they are automatically reinforcing to the individual. This means that the act of engaging in the behavior in turn reinforces the behavior. Prime examples of these types of behaviors are rocking back and forth, hand flapping, humming/auditory production, etc.
The functions of these behaviors are not limited to these examples or to just neuro-divergent individuals, rather these can be displayed across neurotypical individuals as well. I.e.(leg bouncing, clicking a pen, pacing, or playing with a fidget spinner or stress ball.).
Homework
This week, notice the different behaviors your child performs throughout the day. What function do you think they serve? Make notes about behaviors you consistently see occuring with special attention to the ABCs, and see if you can’t identify the function of behavior!
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC contracts with around 160 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
In everything the agency does, ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.” Learn more about us at https://aba-llc.com/