There’s always a reason…

All behaviors serve a function, it’s the forms that those behaviors take that are sometimes objectionable. It is useless to try to address a behavior if we do not understand its function because any “interventions” we try will not be maximally effective.

The way in which we can address this is by doing a functional behavior analysis. By conducting this assessment we can determine whether a behavior is serving to access or avoid tangibles, demands, attention, or sensory input. Once we know the function of a behavior, it can be effectively addressed.

Too many times children with autism are treated as if their behaviors (i.e. screaming, bolting, hitting, biting, rocking, ignoring, etc.) are symptoms of the child being naughty or misbehaved or not disciplined. They are put in time out, seclusion rooms, ignored, physically prompted, have things taken away, or are given things without really considering whether or not these “consequences” for their behaviors will effectively decrease the unwanted behavior and increase the desired behavior.

Conducting a functional behavior analysis or assessment should be done by someone who understands the forms and functions of behavior and what interventions are most effective in addressing the behaviors. Additionally, it is important that any interventions implemented are well planned and followed as consistently as possible to be the most effective. It is not possible for an intervention to be implemented in one environment and not in another and a still have the most long-lasting effect. Most importantly, the results of the intervention should be tracked by quantitative data to prove that they are effective.

The last note about interventions to address behaviors is that it is not enough to try to eliminate a behavior, because the function of the behavior still needs to be served. For instance, if a child is exhibiting a behavior to gain attention but the form of the behavior is unacceptable…they need to be taught acceptable ways of gaining attention. If the child is not taught appropriate means to get their needs met, we are not doing all we can to help them grow and learn. After all, that is the point of teaching and the reason why we teach…not to eliminate unwanted behaviors, but to help children learn and grow and be accepted and loved for who they are.