Instructional Playbook

Behavior Functions to Consider When Addressing Challenging Behaviors

Understanding the function of a student’s behavior is key to creating effective adjustments or interventions. Behavior serves a purpose for the student, whether it is to get attention, escape a task, access something they want or need, or meet a sensory need. When we identify why a behavior is occurring, we can teach appropriate replacement skills and better provide supports that address the student’s needs, leading to more positive interactions and lasting behavior change. The tables below describe each behavior function in more detail, as well as replacement behaviors that might be considered.

Functions of Behavior

Behavior Functions

Definition

Examples

Best Use Cases

Remove adult attention when engaging in undesirable behavior. Provide high rates of adult attention for desirable behavior. Have student earn something for the class, such as free time or extra recess. Avoid removing task if engaging in undesirable behavior. Teach student how to ask appropriately to take a break. Create a structured system when the student earns a break. Student does not get access to preferred item if they are engaging in undesirable behavior. Create a structured system where the preferred item is student’s reinforcement.

Student raises hand to get teacher attention. Student makes a noise to get peers to laugh.

Student engages in behavior (desirable or undesirable) to gain access to adult or peer attention.

Attention

Student asks for a break appropriately

Student engages in behavior (desirable or undesirable) to avoid adult or peer attention, environments, or tasks. Student engages in behavior (desirable or undesirable) to gain access to an item including edibles, activities, or other preferred items.

to leave a loud environment. Student throws items to be removed from doing a task.

Escape

Student completes work to have access to technology. Student refuses to transition off of technology.

Tangible