1. Addressing Individual Challenging Behavior through Function-Based Support George Sugai University of Connecticut Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports www.PBIS.org

3. Purpose Provide overview of critical features of function-based approach to addressing problem behavior Function Matters!

4. Ingram et al., 2005

6. Non-validated Interventions for students EXAMPLES Sensory re-integration or stimulation Facilitated communication Introspective psychoanalytic therapies Rebirthing therapy CONCERNS Poor ecological (school) validity Redirected specification of actual causal factors Adverse side effects False hopes & expectations Inefficient use of resources & opportunities Lack of empirical support

7. “How many of you have….” Participated in behavior intervention planning meeting? Used functional assessment information to develop behavior intervention plan? Conducted functional assessment….Informally? Formally? Know why functional assessments are conducted? Refinement of behavioral skills “Redundancy builds fluency”

8. Outcomes (“Answers”) Features & requirements of function-based approach to behavior support –Process Behavioral description of “function” –Get or escape/avoid Steps in function-based approach to behavior intervention planning –Behaviorally competent team

9. Behavior Support Elements Problem Behavior Functional Assessment Intervention & Support Plan Fidelity of Implementation Impact on Behavior & Lifestyle *Response class *Routine analysis *Hypothesis statement *Alternative behaviors *Competing behavior analysis *Contextual fit *Strengths, preferences, & lifestyle outcomes *Evidence-based interventions *Implementation support *Data plan *Continuous improvement *Sustainability plan Team-based Behavior competence

10. Prerequisites Effective school-wide system of behavior support in place Local behaviorally competent team Function-based approach

11. Primary Prevention: School-/Classroom- Wide Systems for All Students, Staff, & Settings Secondary Prevention: Specialized Group Systems for Students with At-Risk Behavior Tertiary Prevention: Specialized Individualized Systems for Students with High-Risk Behavior ~80% of Students ~15% ~5% CONTINUUM OF SCHOOL-WIDE INSTRUCTIONAL & POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

12. SYSTEMS PRACTICES DATA Supporting Staff Behavior Supporting Decision Making Supporting Student Behavior Positive Behavior Support OUTCOMES Social Competence & Academic Achievement

13. What is FBA? A systematic process for developing statements about factors that –contribute to occurrence & maintenance of problem behavior, & –more importantly, serve as basis for developing proactive & comprehensive behavior support plans.

14. What is Function Based Support? Foundations in behavioral theory, applied behavior analysis, & positive behavior support Attention to environmental context Emphasis on function of behavior Focus on teaching effective, efficient, & relevant behaviors Attention to behavior of implementers

15. Behaviorism ABA PBS Foundations Behavior & physiology Learned behavior Behavior & environment Behavior lawfulness Observable behavior Socially important questions Applied settings Functional relationship PBS

16. Function-based support is all about… Re-design & improvement of learning & teaching environments –Attention to environment & function –Not re-design of individuals –Change in behavior of implementers of plan

17. Functional approach logic Behaviors are maintained by consequence events (function) –Positive or negative reinforcement Behaviors are occasioned by antecedent events –Relate antecedent to emission of behavior & likelihood of consequence event Changing behaviors requires consideration of maintaining consequences

18. Only 2 Basic Functions Pos Reinf Neg Reinf Existing aversive condition identified

19. When has FBA been done? 1.Clear & measurable definition of problem behaviors. 2.Complete testable hypothesis or summary statement is provided. Statement of function (purpose) of behavior 3.Data (direct observation) to confirm testable hypothesis. 4.Behavior intervention plan based on testable hypothesis Contextually appropriate supports for accurate implementation

20. FBA Elements Contextually Appropriate Support Testable Hypothesis Function Statement Competing Path Analysis Supporting Data Behavior Intervention Plan Definition of Problem Behavior or Class

21. Defining behavior Must result in clear, measurable, & objective descriptions of individual, groups, or sequences of related behaviors Any observable or measurable action or act. Observable beginning & end Has measurable dimension(s) Frequency, duration, latency, force, topography, locus

22. Non- v. Observable (-)hyperactivity (+)initiates 5 different tasks within 2 minutes (+)leaves room at least 3 times during a 30 minute lesson (+)….

23. Consider response class Set of topographically different behaviors with similar or related purpose or function –Hit, spit, runaway, yell… Escape difficult task request –Cry, hit, whine, raise hand, spit….. Obtain adult attention

24. Consider response chains Predictable sequence of behaviors Possibly different functions at beginning & end of chains

25. Ex1. Behavior Chain Given doable task, student… 1.Whispers that work is stupid, 2.Writes on papers, 3.Says work is stupid, 4.Throws paper in waste basket, & 5.Leaves room. What is function of behavior? (Test)

26. Ex2. Given difficult task, student… 1.Says this work is stupid, 2.Pokes student at next table, 3.Argues with student, 4.Tells teacher to butt out, 5.Threatens teacher 6.Runs away from teacher who chases. What is function of behavior? (Test)

27. Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior Testable Hypothesis “Basic Unit” “Best guess” about behavior & conditions under which it is observed Represents basic working unit of FBA Directly guides development of BIP

28. Features 1.“Best guess” about behavior & conditions under which it is observed 2.Composed of (a) problem behavior, (b) triggering antecedent, (c) maintaining consequences, & (d) setting events. 3.Represents basic working unit of FBA

29. Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior Testable Hypothesis “Basic Unit” Following events that maintain behaviors of concern Preceding events that trigger or occasion Set of related behaviors of concern Infrequent events that affect value of maint. conseq.

30. When Sequoia misses her 12:30 medication & teachers present multiple task demands, she makes negative self-statements & writes profane language on her assignments. Teaching staff typically send her to the office with a discipline referral for being disrespectful. Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence Misses 12:30 medication Teachers make multiple task demands Sequoia makes negative self- statements & writes profane language Teacher sends Sequoia to office for being disrespectful What function? Avoid difficult tasks

31. Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence Caesar is teased several times about his hair by his friends before class His teacher stares at his hair in class Caesar asks his teacher what she’s staring at His teacher sends him to in-school detention Caesar has dyed his hair three colors & is teased several times by his friends before class. When he enters the class, his teacher stares at his hair. Caesar immediately says “what are you staring at?” His teacher immediately sends him to in- school detention. What function? Escape adult & peer attention

32. Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence Cleo is new to the 6th grade, & English is her second language. When another student approaches & says something to her in English, Cleo turns away. The other student walks away. This happens several times during the day. New studentStudent approaches & speaks in English Cleo turns away Other student walks away What function? Escape peer attention

33. Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence When his teacher asks him what the capitol city of a country is, Napoleon gives the correct answers. His teacher praises his correct answer, & tells him he may work by himself or a friend on the rest of the assignment. None Teacher asks what capitol city of country is Napoleon give correct answer Teacher gives verbal praise & time to work with a friend What function? Access peer & adult attention

34. Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence As Veloce is walking, other kids look at him & say “what’s up?” He looks back and says: “Who ya lookin’ at?!” “Ya want some of this?!” “Ya talkin’ to me?!” Kids shake their heads & all him “weirdo.” ??Look at him. “What’s up!” “Who ya lookin’ at?” “Ya want Some?” “Ya talkin’ to me? Kids shake heads & call him “weirdo” What function? Access OR escape peer attention? How do you know? Assess?

35. TE is “best guess.” What if testable hypothesis is incomplete or inaccurate? Review what you know Collect more information Change hypothesis statement Test/confirm new hypothesis statement

36. Example 1: Different behaviors with different functions Kirsten’s teachers agree that she has two behaviors that interfere with her social success at school, & develop two testable hypotheses:

37. Setting Event  Antecedent Event  Behavior  Consequence Event None Teacher presents multiple step request. Verbal protest, non- compliance, foot stomping. Teacher repeats request 4 to 5 times & threatens after school suspension. Setting Event  Antecedent Event  Behavior  Consequence Event None Peers play game & have conflict. Pushes peers away, uses profanity, throws rocks. Peers stop playing with Kirsten. Get adult attention Escape peer social

38. Example 2: Same behaviors with different functions Amy teachers have noticed two different conditions when Amy displays same problem behaviors. They developed following two testable hypotheses:

39. Setting Event  Antecedent Event  Behavior  Consequence Event None Peers try to engage Amy in con- versations. Turns eyes away, does not comply verbally, pulls sweater over his head. Peers move away. Setting Event  Antecedent Event  Behavior  Consequence Event None Teachers give Amy corrective feedback about her work. Turns eyes away, does not comply verbally, pulls sweater over his head. Teachers sit down next to her, rub her shoulders, & say comforting words. Avoid peer attention Get adult social

40. Functional Assessment Checklist for Teachers “FACTS” STEP 1: Student/ Grade: _____Clarence/5th grade_____Date: ____January 11___________ Interviewer: ___________Sugai________Respondent(s): ____Thomas_____ STEP 2: Student Profile: Please identify at least three strengths or contributions the student brings to school. C. has leadership potential. Peers listened to him, and he can be very convincing and sincere. He’s academically competent and seems to be moving smoothly and successfully through the school curriculum. STEP 3: Problem Behavior(s): Identify problem behaviors ___Tardy_X Fight/physical Aggression ___ Disruptive___ Theft___ UnresponsiveX Inappropriate Language_X__ Insubordination___ Vandalism___ Withdrawn_X__ Verbal Harassment____Work not done___ Other __________ ____X _ Verbally Inappropriate___ Self-injury Describe problem behavior:C. may have one of the shortest fuses I’ve seen. One little tease by a peer, and he quickly and predictably escalates through a behavioral sequence that begins with passive in subordination (non response), moves to a mild protest, shifts to harassment and name calling, increases to property damage and even to physical aggression. Its interesting that he seems to “enjoy” the reactions he gets from peers that he aggresses toward, and from peers who look up to him for his aggressiveness.

41. STEP 4: Routine Analysis Schedule (Times) ActivityLikelihood of Problem BehaviorSpecific Problem Behavior 8:00Waiting to enter building Low High 1 2 3 4 5 6 See escalation described above 8:15Advisory & Planning1 2 3 4 5 6 Mostly teasing and touching property of others. Doesn’t escalate much further 9:15Language Arts1 2 3 4 5 6 Occasional name calling/teasing 10:15Recess1 2 3 4 5 6 See escalation described above 11:30Math1 2 3 4 5 6Occasional teasing 12:00Lunch1 2 3 4 5 6 See escalation described above 12:35Earth Science1 2 3 4 5 6Minor verbal harassment 1:15Art or Phy Ed1 2 3 4 5 6 See escalation described above 2:00Reading1 2 3 4 5 6Rarely a problem 2:50Waiting for bus1 2 3 4 5 6 See escalation described above

42. Fundamental Rule! “You should not propose to reduce a problem behavior without also identifying alternative, desired behaviors person should perform instead of problem behavior” (O’Neill et al., 1997, p. 71).

43. Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior Desired Alternative Acceptable Alternative Typical Consequence Summary Statement

45. Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior Desired Alternative Typical Consequence Summary Statement Acceptable Alternative

47. Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior Lack of peer contact in 30 minutes. Do difficult math assignment. Noncompliance, profanity, physical aggression, Avoid task, remove from class. Desired Alternative Typical Consequence Points, grades, questions, more work. Do work w/o complaints. Summary Statement Acceptable Alternative Ask for break, ask for help. Why is function important? Because consequences compete!! Function

48. Setting Event Manipulations Antecedent Manipulations Consequence Manipulations Behavior Manipulations Teach options to problem behavior: 1. Ask for break 2. Ask for help 3. Turn in assignment as is. Teach missing math skills Arrange for peer interaction before math class Provide positive adult contact Sit with preferred peer Introduce review type problem before difficult tasks Remind of alternative behaviors Do first problem together Immediately reinforce entering class. Provide reinforcer w/in 1 min. of starting task (3 min., 5 min., 10 minutes) Give break & help Sit with preferred peer when done

49. On Mondays and/or when up all of the night before. Daily nongraded quiz on previous night’s homework Verbal protests, slump in chair, walks out of room. Avoids doing quiz & homework discussion. Do quiz without complaints. Discussion about answers & homework. Turn in with name & sit quietly w/o interrupting. + Give time to review homework. + Give quiet time before starting. + Give easy “warm- up” task before doing quiz. + Precorrect behavior options & consequences. + With first sign of problem behaviors, remove task, or request completion of task next period. + Remove task based on step in task analysis (STO). + Provide effective verbal praise & other reinforcers. Teach options to problem behavior: 1. Turn in blank 2. Turn in w/ name 3. Turn in w/ name & first item done. 4. Turn in w/ name & 50% of items done.

50. Neutralize/ eliminate setting events Add relevant & remove irrelevant triggers Teach alternative that is more efficient Add effective & & remove ineffective reinforcers

51. FBA Team Process Steps 1.Collect information. 2.Develop testable hypothesis or summary statement. 3.Collect direct observation data to confirm summary statement. 4.Develop “competing pathways” summary statement. 5.Develop BIP. 6.Develop details & routines for full implementation of BSP. 7.Develop strategies for monitoring & evaluating implementation of BSP.

53. FBA LEVELS 1.Indirect Observation Checklist FA Interview Archival Review Routine Analysis 2. Direct Observation A-B-C Structured, Planned Observation 3. Planned Manipulation Experimental or Functional Analysis

54. Process Guidelines 1.Conducted by team Behaviorally competent Student-knowledgeable 2.Led by behavior specialist 3.Link behavioral strategies to summary statement 4.Ensure that implementers are fluent 5.Monitor continuously & evaluate early ٭

55. Behavior Support Elements Problem Behavior Functional Assessment Intervention & Support Plan Fidelity of Implementation Impact on Behavior & Lifestyle *Response class *Routine analysis *Hypothesis statement *Alternative behaviors *Competing behavior analysis *Contextual fit *Strengths, preferences, & lifestyle outcomes *Evidence-based interventions *Implementation support *Data plan *Continuous improvement *Sustainability plan Team-based Behavior competence