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Behavioral Interventions and Solutions

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Functions of Behavior

May 7, 2019

If you have worked with a BCBA in the past, it is likely that you have heard the term FUNCTIONS OF BEHAVIOR.

BCBAs look at functions in order to determine WHY specific behaviors are occurring. Then they develop a document called a Behavior Support Plan or BSP.  It contains the definitions of challenging behavior, antecedent strategies, replacement behaviors, and consequence procedures.

The four functions of behavior are: sensory stimulation, escape, access to attention and access to tangibles.  One easy way to remember the functions is through the acronym SEAT.

Functions of Behavior

When challenging behavior occurs, BCBAs will look at what happens immediately before and after that behavior. Otherwise known as, ABC data collection.

In the ABC model of data collection, each letter stands for a specific part of the process: A=antecedent, B=behavior, and C=consequence

ABC Data

There are many types of ABC data collection forms. However, some require long written responses.  Therefore, I have created an easy-to-use data sheet with checkboxes for the behaviors and actions in each category.

You can access a PDF download of this infographic, as well as a free ABC Data Sheet, by visiting the resource library tab on my website.

Don’t forget to visit my store or TPT to find more visual and behavioral resources!

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Filed Under: behavioral resources, Parenting Resources 14 Comments

Comments

  1. Susan says

    May 13, 2019 at 12:40 am

    Is there a way to get a copy of your SEAT chart? Thank you.

    Reply
    • biasbehavioral says

      May 13, 2019 at 1:53 am

      Yep! Click on the header labeled resource library and you can download a PDF version of this infographic.

      Reply
      • Kelly Norvell says

        March 27, 2020 at 1:21 pm

        I tried getting into your resource library but it wanted me to enter a password and i do not have one. I am an intervention specialist and the posters you have created would be very helpful to have

        Reply
        • biasbehavioral says

          March 27, 2020 at 1:25 pm

          Yes, unfortunately if you click off the page too quickly the popup message prompting you to put in your password will disappear. I will email you a link to it.

          Reply
      • Christina says

        August 15, 2021 at 7:56 am

        Can you email me a pdf of the Seat function chart and the ABC picture please! Cmt2992@yahoo.com

        Reply
        • biasbehavioral says

          August 26, 2021 at 9:24 pm

          Hi Christina,

          I will email you the password to the resource library. All available infographics (and more) are housed there.

          Thanks,
          Dana

          Reply
  2. AnnMarie says

    July 22, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    Hi Dana, I am having trouble reaching you as I am getting an error message on the contact request – so posting my question below:
    I produce a bi-annual newsletter for an autism agency and I am featuring an article on Finding the Function of Behavior. I would love to post your SEAT infographic at the end of the article – I will, of course, source: 2019 Behavioral Interventions and Solutions, LLC. Please let me know if this would be ok and all I would need is a high resolution, 300 DPI file @ 11″ tall to ensure the quality is good enough for print.

    Reply
  3. Amanda Gibson says

    August 18, 2019 at 9:22 pm

    Hello Diana!

    I was reading your article on the functions of behavior and I wanted to download the printable of the SEAT infographic, however when I click on the resource library tab it asks for a password and says the content is restricted. Just wanted to make sure I was looking in the right place.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • biasbehavioral says

      August 18, 2019 at 9:24 pm

      Yep! There is usually a pop-up that prompts you to put in your password. Use BIASfree to gain access to the resource library.

      Reply
  4. Aggie says

    May 7, 2021 at 5:07 am

    I tried getting the resources too but couldn’t. because of the password.
    I work with special needs kids.

    Reply
    • biasbehavioral says

      August 26, 2021 at 9:27 pm

      Hi Aggie,

      I will email you the password to the resource library. All available infographics (and more) are housed there.

      Thanks,
      Dana

      Reply
  5. Mel says

    June 25, 2021 at 8:38 pm

    Hi Dana,

    I just wanted to say thank you SO much for providing these wonderful / helpful resources! Your hard work and time invested creating these resources will help SO many! Thank you again!

    Sincerely,
    Mel

    Reply
  6. Ashly Dawson says

    September 1, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    Hello, I’m having trouble getting into the resource library. The password went way before I could get it copied. I’m wanting a copy of the Seat chart and ABC chart.

    Reply
    • biasbehavioral says

      September 16, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      Hi Ashly,

      Send me an email to solutions@biasbehavioral.com and I will send you the password.

      Thanks,
      Dana

      Reply

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