ALL BEHAVIORS MEAN SOMETHING: ABC DATA SHEET

ALL BEHAVIOR TELLS YOU SOMETHING!

CAN YOU PREDICT WHEN A BEHAVIOR OCCURS? IF SO, FILL IN THE CHART BELOW
ANTECEDENT CONSEQUENCE POSSIBLE
DATE TIME
(BEFORE)
BEHAVIOR (AFTER) FUNCTION HOW TO USE THIS CHART:
1. Recognize the
behavior.
2. Take data on WHEN
the behavior occurs,
WHAT happens before
the behavior, & WHAT
happens after the
behavior
3. Notate the possible
Function
4. Verify consistency by
taking data the next time
the behavior occurs

!
For next steps check out this
short video:
bit.ly/understandingbehaviors

For more printable home resources visit www.therapyandbeyond.com

ALL BEHAVIORS MEAN SOMETHING: ABC CHECKLIST
ANTECEDENT CONSEQUENCE DURATION ANTECEDENT CONSEQUENCE DURATION
DATE TIME
(BEFORE)
BEHAVIOR (AFTER)
INTENSITY DATE TIME
(BEFORE)
BEHAVIOR (AFTER)
INTENSITY

Alone Noncompliance/ Keep demand Alone Noncompliance/ Keep demand

Social interaction ignore instruction Deny access to Social interaction ignore instruction Deny access to
<1min 1 LOW <1min 1 LOW
with peers Aggression reinforcer with peers Aggression reinforcer
with adults Redirect with adults Redirect
Flopping 1-5min 2 Flopping 1-5min 2
Beginning an activity Ignore problem Beginning an activity Ignore problem
Cry/scream/whine behavior 5-10min 3 Cry/scream/whine behavior 5-10min 3
Ending an activity Ending an activity
Verbal protest Count & mand Verbal protest Count & mand
Demand 10-30min 4 Demand 10-30min 4
Running away Compliance trials Running away Compliance trials
Wants something tangible 1/2-1hr 5 HIGH Wants something tangible 1/2-1hr 5 HIGH
Refusing to stop a Block Refusing to stop a Block
Made request that was denied behavior after a Made request that was denied behavior after a
Use reinforcer to 1-2hr Use reinforcer to 1-2hr
Accepting “NO” request is made reinforce good Accepting “NO” request is made reinforce good
Other behavior 2-3hr Other behavior 2-3hr
Interruption/Transition Interruption/Transition
Used a commun- Used a commun-
Verbal instructions given ication device 3+hr Verbal instructions given ication device 3+hr

Break/down time Gave 2 choices Break/down time Gave 2 choices

Other Reviewed social Other Reviewed social

story story
Other Other

ANTECEDENT CONSEQUENCE DURATION ANTECEDENT CONSEQUENCE DURATION

DATE TIME
(BEFORE)
BEHAVIOR (AFTER)
INTENSITY DATE TIME
(BEFORE)
BEHAVIOR (AFTER)
INTENSITY

Alone Noncompliance/ Keep demand Alone Noncompliance/ Keep demand

Social interaction ignore instruction Deny access to Social interaction ignore instruction Deny access to
<1min 1 LOW <1min 1 LOW
with peers Aggression reinforcer with peers Aggression reinforcer
with adults Redirect with adults Redirect
Flopping 1-5min 2 Flopping 1-5min 2
Beginning an activity Ignore problem Beginning an activity Ignore problem
Cry/scream/whine behavior 5-10min 3 Cry/scream/whine behavior 5-10min 3
Ending an activity Ending an activity
Verbal protest Count & mand Verbal protest Count & mand
Demand 10-30min 4 Demand 10-30min 4
Running away Compliance trials Running away Compliance trials
Wants something tangible 1/2-1hr 5 HIGH Wants something tangible 1/2-1hr 5 HIGH
Refusing to stop a Block Refusing to stop a Block
Made request that was denied behavior after a Made request that was denied behavior after a
Use reinforcer to 1-2hr Use reinforcer to 1-2hr
Accepting “NO” request is made reinforce good Accepting “NO” request is made reinforce good
Other behavior 2-3hr Other behavior 2-3hr
Interruption/Transition Interruption/Transition
Used a commun- Used a commun-
Verbal instructions given ication device 3+hr Verbal instructions given ication device 3+hr

Break/down time Gave 2 choices Break/down time Gave 2 choices

Other Reviewed social Other Reviewed social

story story
Other Other

For more printable home resources visit www.therapyandbeyond.com