4.0 Understanding ABC Observations

Practical FBA Process.. D.A.S.H Define behavior in observable & measurable terms Ask about behavior by interviewing staff & student: Specify routines where & when behaviors occur Summarize where, when, & why behaviors occur See the behavior Observe the behavior during routines specified Observe to verify summary from interviews Hypothesize a final summary of where, when & why behaviors occur

Why complete an ABC Observation? Confirm the accuracy of the teacher interview summary of behavior Identify antecedents and consequences/outcomes that the teacher may have overlooked Verify the function of the student’s behavior Develop the most accurate Summary Statement for intervention development (Lohman & Borgmeier, 2010)

Who completes the observation? A person who… Has a flexible role Has some experience conducting behavioral observations Is a member of the individual student support team (i.e., behavior team)

How to Complete a ABC Observation: BEFORE the Observation Schedule observation during routine (time/place) identified as most problematic from the FACTS

How to Complete a ABC Observation: BEFORE the Observation Complete the shaded portion based on the FACTS summary.

How to Complete a ABC Observation: BEFORE the Observation Record the date/setting/time of observation

Activity Using the completed FACTS form for TRACY complete the shaded top portion of the ABC Recording Form for TRACY & answer the following questions: When/Where will you observe her? What behaviors will you be looking at? What Antecedents (triggers) will you be looking for? What Consequences/outcomes will you be looking for?

How to Complete a ABC Observation: DURING the Observation Always start with recording the behavior first—be as specific as possible

How to Complete a ABC Observation: DURING the Observation Write the activity/task occurring in class

How to Complete a ABC Observation: DURING the Observation Write the Antecedent that occurs before the behavior

How to Complete a ABC Observation: DURING the Observation Write what happened right after the behavior occurred in the CONSEQUENCE box

How to Complete a ABC Observation: DURING the Observation During or immediately after the observation, check the boxes that correspond with the activities, antecedents, & consequences you recorded

ABC Observation Frequently Asked Questions Q: What if the behavior doesn’t occur while I’m there? A: Schedule another time to observe during the identified routine. If there is still no behavior occurring, may want to interview staff again to obtain more information Q: What if you observe behavior that is dangerous to self or others? A: It is likely appropriate to refer to a behavior specialist to complete a comprehensive FBA (Lohman & Borgmeier, 2010)

Frequently Asked Questions (cont.) Q: How many times should I observe the student in the routine? Observe until you are convinced (about 5 to10 occurrences of behavior OR 3 to 1 ratio of occurrences verifying FACTS summary) You may have to go in on more than one day or period….but make sure it’s a prioritized routine Q: How long should I observe? A: This should be based on the FACTS interview results (~15-20 minutes per routine is acceptable) You want to observe until you are convinced (e.g. at least 5 problem behaviors to establish a pattern) (Lohman & Borgmeier, 2010)

Watch video of Eddie and complete the ABC Recording Form Activity Watch video of Eddie and complete the ABC Recording Form Target Behavior: Talking out and yelling at teacher and peers

Video: Eddie

How to Complete a ABC Observation: AFTER the Observation Complete the shaded box in the bottom of the ABC recording form based on the most frequently observed ABC’s

How to Complete a ABC Observation: AFTER the Observation Compare summary statement from ABC observation with that from the FACTS interview with staff

How to Complete a ABC Observation: AFTER the Observation Rate how likely it is that this summary accurately explains the identified behavior occurring (1-6)

Frequently Asked Questions Q: What if I have observed the behavior (5-10 occurrences) but my observations do not align with the summary statement from the FACTS? A: Meet with the teacher to review the summary statement from the FACTS and the observation. Ask additional follow up questions and revise the summary statement with the teacher. Then, schedule additional times to verify the new summary statement It may be appropriate to refer to a behavioral specialist to complete a comprehensive FBA (Lohman & Borgmeier, 2010)

Activity With our Eddie example, complete the Summary Statement section of the ABC observation form Hypothesis Statement from FACTS: “During large or small group instruction, Eddie is likely to talk out or yell at the teacher when he is given teacher instructions. Eddie does this to gain the attention of the teacher and his peers”

Practical FBA Process.. D.A.S.H Define behavior in observable & measurable terms Ask about behavior by interviewing staff & student: Specify routines where & when behaviors occur Summarize where, when, & why behaviors occur See the behavior Observe the behavior during routines specified Observe to verify summary from interviews Hypothesize a final summary of where, when & why behaviors occur

If the finish line is an effective behavior support plan, you’ll need to DASH to get there!