1. The “Functions” of Behaviour
The Functions of Behaviour Video Training Module #4
The “Functions” of Behaviour
BE PROACTIVE
NOT REACTIVE
Megan Delcourt, M.A., Behaviour Analyst
Maria DeBrouwer, CYCW
WCDSB, HDSB & Erinoakkids

2. “Why does he do that?” All behaviour happens for a reason
All behaviour is “functional”
All behaviour is “changeable”
“So why does he do that?”
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3. Addressing Challenging Behaviour
When you see a challenging behaviour in the classroom, you may be able to identify that the student needs a more appropriate way to request their needs
By teaching the student another way to request, we may also be able to avoid these challenging behaviours from occurring in the future
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4. Functions of Behaviour
All human behaviour fits into
4 categories
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5. Escape Attention Sensory Access to Tangible Intrinsically Motivating
Desired Item
From an adult or a peer
Situations or Tasks
Escape
Attention
Sensory
Access to Tangible
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6. WCDSB, HDSB & Erinoakkids
Multiple Functions
Escape
Attention
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7. Escape Yes or No Is the work appropriate?
Is the behaviour affecting the students ability to learn?
Is there an Educational Assessment?
Is there an IEP?
Is the amount of work overwhelming for the student?
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8. Attention Yes or No Who is the student seeking attention from?
Peer? Adult?
Is the attention affecting the students ability to learn?
Yes or No
Are there times when the attention can be used as a motivator?
Is the attention affecting the students social relationships?
Is the attention affecting the students reputation?
Is the attention appropriate in nature?
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9. Access to Tangible WCDSB, HDSB & Erinoakkids
What is the student seeking? ?
Does the student perseverate?
Yes or No
Is the item available to the student throughout the day?
Difficulties moving from preferred to non-preferred?
Can the item be used to teach skills?
Can the item be used as a motivator?
WCDSB, HDSB & Erinoakkids

10. Sensory WCDSB, HDSB & Erinoakkids What is the student seeking?
Increase or Decrease
Does the student escalate quickly?
Yes or No
Scheduled opportunities?
Are there visible warning signs
Occupational Therapy Recommendations
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11. Hypothesis Best “Guess” Data Driven
When we are looking at determining the probable “function” of a challenging behaviour, we are establishing our “hypothesis” statement
Our “hypothesis” statement is our…..
Best “Guess”
Data Driven
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12. Pulling it all Together
What does the data tell us?
Hypothesis Statement
What are the patterns?
Antecedents?
Consequence (Behavioural Response)?
My hypothesis would indicate that the function of the behaviour could possibly be _________________________
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13. WCDSB, HDSB & Erinoakkids
INTERVENTION
Function
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14. Thank You!
Module # 5 “Reinforcement” This module has been brought to you be the Behaviour Support Team Strategic Plan 2015
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