Understanding the Function of Behaviour: A Parent’s Guide
As a parent, one of the most challenging aspects of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be understanding and managing their behaviour. It’s common to feel frustrated or confused by certain actions, especially when they seem to come out of nowhere. However, there’s a crucial concept that can help make sense of these behaviours: understanding their function.
In the world of behaviour analysis, every behaviour is seen as having a function or purpose. Simply put, behaviours occur because they serve a specific need or desire for the individual. By identifying the function of a behaviour, you can better understand why your child is acting a certain way and develop more effective strategies for addressing it. In this post, we’ll explore the different functions of behaviour and provide practical tips for applying this knowledge in your daily life.
The Four Main Functions of Behaviour
In Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), behaviours are generally categorized into four main functions. These functions help explain why a behaviour occurs and what your child might be trying to achieve through their actions. Understanding these functions can be a game-changer in how you approach and respond to your child’s behaviour.
Escape or Avoidance
What It Means: This function is all about avoiding or escaping something undesirable. If your child is engaging in a behaviour to get out of doing something they don’t like—whether it’s a particular task, a social situation, or a sensory experience—this behaviour likely serves an escape or avoidance function.
Example: Your child might throw a tantrum when it’s time to brush their teeth because they find the sensation uncomfortable and want to avoid it.
Access to Tangibles
What It Means: Some behaviours occur because the child wants access to a specific item or activity. This could be anything from a favorite toy to a snack or even a preferred activity like watching TV.
Example: If your child starts whining or crying when they see a toy they want but can’t have immediately, the behaviour is likely an attempt to gain access to that toy.
Attention
What It Means: Attention-seeking behaviours occur when a child engages in a certain action to gain attention from others. This attention can be positive (praise, hugs, smiles) or negative (scolding, reprimands), as long as it’s directed toward the child.
Example: Your child might start shouting or acting out when you’re on the phone because they want your attention.
Sensory Stimulation (Automatic Reinforcement)
What It Means: Some behaviours are performed simply because they feel good or satisfy an internal sensory need. These behaviours are self-reinforcing, meaning the behaviour itself provides the reward.
Example: A child might rock back and forth or flap their hands because it feels soothing or helps them regulate their sensory input.
Identifying the Function of Your Child’s Behaviour
Now that we’ve covered the four main functions of behaviour, the next step is to identify which function is driving your child’s specific behaviours. This process involves observing your child closely and considering what happens before, during, and after the behaviour.
Antecedent: What happens right before the behaviour occurs? This could include specific instructions, a change in the environment, or an interaction with another person. The antecedent often provides clues about what might be triggering the behaviour.
Behaviour: What exactly does the behaviour look like? Be specific about the actions your child is taking, such as hitting, crying, running away, or repeating certain phrases.
Consequence: What happens immediately after the behaviour? How do you or others respond? Does the behaviour result in your child getting what they want, avoiding something unpleasant, or receiving attention?
By carefully observing these three components—antecedent, behaviour, and consequence—you can start to identify patterns and better understand the function behind your child’s actions.
Practical Strategies for Addressing Behaviour Based on Its Function
Once you’ve identified the function of a particular behaviour, you can begin to develop strategies for addressing it. The key is to find ways to meet your child’s needs in a more appropriate or socially acceptable way. Here are some strategies tailored to each of the four functions of behaviour:
Escape or Avoidance
Preventing the Behaviour: If you know your child tends to avoid certain tasks, try breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Provide clear instructions and offer choices when possible to give them a sense of control.
Teaching Alternative Behaviours: Encourage your child to use words or gestures to communicate when they need a break. For example, you can teach them to say, “I need a break,” instead of acting out.
Reinforcing Positive Behaviours: Praise and reward your child for completing the task, even if it’s just a small part of it. Over time, they’ll learn that they can handle the task and that they’ll be rewarded for trying.
Access to Tangibles
Preventing the Behaviour: Make sure your child understands when and how they can access their desired items or activities. Use visual schedules or timers to help them see when they’ll get their turn.
Teaching Alternative Behaviours: Teach your child to ask for what they want using appropriate communication methods, such as using words, picture exchange systems, or sign language.
Reinforcing Positive Behaviours: Reward your child for asking nicely or waiting patiently. Over time, they’ll learn that polite requests or waiting lead to the same outcome as the problematic behaviour but in a more acceptable way.
Attention
Preventing the Behaviour: Provide your child with regular attention throughout the day, so they don’t feel the need to act out to get it. Praise them for positive behaviours, even small ones, to show that they can get your attention without negative behaviours.
Teaching Alternative Behaviours: Teach your child how to appropriately seek attention, such as tapping your shoulder or saying your name instead of shouting or interrupting.
Reinforcing Positive Behaviours: Immediately acknowledge and praise your child when they use the appropriate way to get your attention. This reinforces the idea that they don’t need to act out to be noticed.
Sensory Stimulation
Preventing the Behaviour: Identify your child’s sensory needs and provide them with appropriate sensory input throughout the day. This could include using sensory toys, engaging in calming activities, or providing breaks to engage in self-soothing behaviours.
Teaching Alternative Behaviours: If the behaviour is inappropriate or disruptive, find alternative ways for your child to get the same sensory input. For example, if your child rocks back and forth to soothe themselves, consider providing a rocking chair.
Reinforcing Positive Behaviours: Encourage and praise your child when they use appropriate sensory-seeking behaviours or engage in calming activities that don’t disrupt others.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency is crucial when addressing any behaviour. Once you’ve identified the function of a behaviour and developed a strategy to address it, it’s important to apply the strategy consistently across different situations and environments. This might mean coordinating with teachers, caregivers, or other family members to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Consistency helps reinforce the new, appropriate behaviours you’re trying to teach and makes it easier for your child to learn what is expected of them. It also reduces confusion and helps your child feel more secure, knowing that the same rules apply no matter where they are or who they’re with.
When to Seek Professional Help
While understanding the function of behaviour and applying these strategies can be incredibly helpful, there are times when you might need additional support. If you’re struggling to identify the function of a behaviour or if your child’s behaviour is becoming more challenging, it may be time to seek help from a professional, such as a behaviour analyst or therapist.
Professionals can conduct a more thorough assessment of your child’s behaviour, provide personalized strategies, and offer ongoing support as you work to address the behaviour. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you feel like you need extra guidance—help is available, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
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Understanding the function of your child’s behaviour can be a powerful tool in helping you manage and address challenging behaviours. By identifying whether a behaviour is driven by the desire to escape, gain access to something, seek attention, or fulfill a sensory need, you can develop targeted strategies that are more likely to be effective.
Remember, every child with ASD is unique, and what works for one child might not work for another. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. With time and effort, you can help your child learn new, more appropriate ways to communicate their needs and thrive in their daily life.
