Positive behaviour support Getting it right from the start

58 Positive behaviour support: Getting it right from the start - Facilitators reference manual
Behaviour recording
PowerPoint Key steps in completing a functional behaviour assessment
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Step 1: Defining the behaviour of concern
Need to write the behaviour in a way that the actual behaviour of concern can be easily
understood by others and that then can be used to gain reliable documentation on when
and when it does not occur.
Step 2: Finding out as much information as possible about the behaviour, which is
information on:
• What happens before the behaviour?
• What happens during the behaviour?
• What happens after the behaviour?
This will require the use of recording forms such as STAR Charts or questionnaires like the,
Motivational Assessment Scale. 19
Step 3: From information collated via the recording forms/questionnaires, come up with an
idea (hypothesis) about why the behaviour is occurring, that is what purpose/function does
the behaviour appear to be serving for the person. Some of the most common reasons why
behaviours of concern occur:
• Gaining social interaction
• Escape or avoidance of demands
• Gaining access to referred activities or tangible objects
• Sensory feedback (hand flapping, eye poking)
• Pursuit of power and control over own life
• Reduction of arousal and anxiety.
Step 4: Test your idea (hypothesis) by systematically introducing strategies such as
environmental changes, skill development strategies and planned responses to behaviours.
These strategies must be linked to why the person is using the behaviour. The introduction and
consistent implementation of these strategies should result in a reduction to the frequency and
intensity of the target behaviour and over time, an increase in the person’s quality of life.
Step 5: Regularly monitor, evaluate and review the effectiveness of the strategies: Thinking about
what worked and what needs to change. Ongoing data collection will be required to monitor or
check that your ideas about the behaviour are correct.
19. Motivation Assessment Scale Durand and Crimmins 1992