Thursday, June 6, 2019

Template or questions for problem behaviors:


Answer in writing:
What is the problem behavior?






What is the function of the problem behavior?
1.     What benefit is the person getting from this behavior?
2.     What might the person be avoiding because of this behavior?
A good functional behavioral assessment FBA by a BCBA will answer these and additional questions.

Remember the same problem behavior may derive different benefit in different settings, over time, with different people, and with satiation.  You can learn more about this in my book: Autism (ASD) Intervention: The Very Basics.
Answer questions in writing:




What are the Setting Events that may impact this behavior?
Quite often, understanding and resolving issues around setting events is all or more than half of the solution.  Medical, stress, dietary, environmental, schedule, and sleep issues, all can have a profound impact / effect on behavior.  (Aggression is often a symptom of either depression or fear.)  Additional information will be included in the appendix.
Also:  What are the immediate antecedents that may impact this behavior?
What will you do about the setting events and antecedents?





Do It!

What is currently reinforcing the problem behavior?


What will you do about this reinforcement?


Do It!
Remember: An MBO answers 4 questions:
1.     Who? (The individual receiving the intervention)
2.     What? (What this individual is supposed to do?)
3.     When? (When will the person know it is time to do the behavior? What is the target stimulus or cue?)
4.     How?  (How will you know the objective has been met?  What are the criteria for success?)


Example:

When (or Upon entering) Charlie enters his home, if he is wearing his coat, Charlie will remove his coat and hang it on the coat rack, beside the front door, without any additional prompts, within two minutes of entering, four out of five trials for three consecutive weeks.

Now:  Write your MBO.  Test it on coworkers or colleagues first.  Do not give them a verbal explanation, only what you have written.  In almost any situation, from time to time, others will need to be able to pick up your objectives and follow them correctly and consistently without any verbal explanation or the opportunity for questions and answers.  Make sure others can do this.  This will benefit them and the recipient of the service.  This also makes it easier for quality management and billing review.

For information on evidence-based practices, and many free resources for parents and providers, please see:



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