Antecedent Behavior Consequence

All members of the student’s individualized education program (IEP) can observe behavior to learn about patterns and functions of behavior. Everyone who observes behavior probably looks for similar characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (e.g., communication challenges, social deficits, restricted area of interests, sensory needs, etc.) and the impact on behavior. How information is gathered may be different for each person collecting the data and depending on the complexity of the situation. One format involves directly observing and recording situational factors surrounding a problem behavior using an assessment tool called ABC data collection. An ABC data form is an assessment tool used to gather information that should evolve into a positive behavior support plan. ABC refers to: Antecedent- the events, action, or circumstances that occur before a behavior. Behavior- The behavior. Consequences- The action or response that follows the behavior. The following is an example of ABC data collection. ABC is considered a direct observation format because you have to be directly observing the behavior when it occurs. Typically it is a format that is used when an external observer is available who has the time and ability to observe and document behaviors during specified periods of the day. It is time and personnel intensive. From this data, we can see that when Joe is asked to end an activity he is enjoying (we know that he enjoys playing computer games), he screams, refuses to leave, and ignores. We also can see that the response to Joe’s refusal consists mostly of empty threats. If we follow Joe throughout the day, we may find that he is asked repeatedly to follow diections. In addition, the data reveals that Joe’s family uses threats that are not followed through. Joe has learned that persistence, ignoring, and refusal will wear parents down