Function-Based Thinking

Function-based thinking is an evidence-based model to understand and address problem behaviors. It involves systematically identifying why a problem behavior is occurring (i.e. the function(s) of the behavior), and then implementing behavioral interventions aligned with the identified function(s).

Steps

1. Identify the target behavior. Operationally define the problematic / contextually inappropriate behavior so that multiple observers could independently collect accurate data with at least 90% agreement. Be objective, clear, and concise. Describe the behavior in observable and measurable terms. 
2. Collect ABC Data. Please view the ABC Data Virtual Strategy for more information.
3. Hypothesize the function(s) of the target behavior. Analyze the context surrounding the target behavior, including setting events, and immediate antecedents and consequences, to determine the most likely reason(s) the behavior is occurring.
   1. Common functions of behavior include to:
      1. get/obtain: activities, attention, settings, people, objects, sensory stimuli

                                                                 and/or to

                  ii. escape/avoid: tasks/demands, activities, attention, settings, people, objects, sensory stimuli

4. Address the behavior using function-based interventions. 
   1. Setting event interventions (KU Department of Special Education, Special Connections)
      1. Minimizing or eliminating the setting event
      2. Neutralizing the setting event
      3. Adding more prompts for positive behavior
      4. Increasing the power of reinforcers temporarily
      5. Promoting positive interactions
   2. Antecedent interventions (n2y.com)
      1. Environmental Considerations (pent.ca.gov): 

• Physical Setting 

• Social Setting 

• Instructional Strategies 

• Curriculum & Activities 

• Scheduling factors 

• Degree of Independence 

• Degree of Participation 

• Social Interaction 

• Degree of Choice 

          c. Behavior interventions

i. “A functionally equivalent replacement behavior (FERB) is a positive alternative that allows the student to obtain the same outcome that the challenging behavior provided; that is, the student is able to obtain or escape something in their environment in an appropriate, acceptable way” (Pent.ca.gov). In order to teach in an effective and efficient way, it is recommended to provide multiple direct teaching opportunities throughout each day with different people across a variety of environments. A Behavior Skill Training (BST) model, consisting of 1) Instruction 2) Modeling 3) Rehearsal and 4) Feedback, is the recommended, empirically supported way of explicitly teaching new behavioral skills (Cooper, et. al.m 2019). 

ii. If there is not an acceptable functionally equivalent behavior to teach, then teaching an incompatible behavior could be considered.  

iii. Consider what additional behavioral skills need to be directly taught, practiced, and reinforced. (examples: additional communication skills, tolerating delays and denials, being flexible, etc.)

          d. Consequence interventions

i. Reinforce the appropriate replacement behavior (functionally equivalent or incompatible) and other new appropriate behaviors

ii. Address problem behaviors

1. non-dangerous problem behaviors can be addressed through providing an empathetic statement and then trying to have the learner persist

2. dangerous problem behaviors can be addressed by immediately removing any demands and providing anything you can to try to stop the behavior as quickly as possible in order to keep everyone safe

   a. Make sure to reflect on why the behavior occurred and how to teach the needed skills so that it doesn’t continue to happen

Summary

Function-based behavior thinking is important because it allows individuals to understand the underlying reason behind a behavior, which is crucial for developing effective interventions that address the root cause of the problem, rather than just treating the surface-level behavior; essentially, it helps to identify "why" someone is acting a certain way, enabling more targeted and successful strategies to manage or change that behavior.