Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan

Part 1: Select a Target Behavior. Use a friend, spouse, significant other, or your own child as a model. Define and clearly state the behavior to be changed in operational terms. Identify the terminal behavior and the expectations. This will keep the report aligned with expected outcomes and prevent reinforcement of unrelated or negative behaviors. Identify incremental behaviors if needed. Positive targets are desirable (e.g., increasing desired behavior versus decreasing behavior).

Part 2: Collect Baseline Information. Obtain a baseline of behavior prior to implementing the program by using a tally or a chart. Collect descriptive or quantitative data on intensity and/or frequency as appropriate. Collecting baseline data makes it possible to determine the effects of reinforcement as well as to identify changes in behavior.

Part 3: Identify a Reinforcer. What will the student receive throughout the process for exhibiting the desired behavior, and then upon reaching the goal? Remember, the reinforcer must be appealing to the student if he/she is expected to work to obtain it. Reinforcement should be individualized to the student and may be primary (tangible) or secondary (social). Internal or self-dispensed reinforcement can be used as long as the reinforcer is clearly defined.

Part 4: Develop a Behavior Change Program. What are the contingencies? Describe the learning situation. Arrange the environment so the desirable behavior will occur. Identify the method and schedule of reinforcement. Possible behavior change methods include: shaping, modeling, contingency contracting, token economy, extinction, time-out, desensitization, and punishment. Schedules include: fixed/variable, interval/ratio. Positive interventions are the most desirable. Set a realistic and specific goal slightly above baseline. State your goal in measurable terms.

Part 5: Implement the Behavior Change Program and Establish and Maintain Records. Maintain ongoing records of the target behavior to determine whether the response length or frequency has increased or decreased. Organize and chart in the same manner as the baseline data. Maintain some anecdotal records regardless of the data gathering method.

Part 6: Evaluate and Modify the Intervention. Analyze collected information. Compare baseline and intervention data to determine if the program has accomplished the goal. If progress is unsatisfactory, then change reinforcers or procedures. Use data to make changes in the program. Gradually eliminate reinforcement and/or prompts as appropriate.