Functions of Behavior

1. What does it mean?

o To understand and determine why behaviors occur

2. How does it help?

o By understanding the function of the behavior that is occurring, we can use it to find a beneficial
replacement behavior or use it to design a program to teach skills that address the behavior.

1
 Functions of Behavior

Attention Tangibles
- Engages in a behavior to - Engages in a behavior to
gain attention from other gain access to an
people item/activity
Example: Tapping you on Example: Points to cookie
shoulder to ask a question jar on shelf

Sensory Escape
- Engages in a behavior to - Engages in a behavior to
give themselves a type of escape a
stimulation that is pleasing situation/person/activity
internally (self – - Get out of a task/
stimulatory) escape the environment
Example: Vocal stereotypy Example: Screams “No!”
when told to clean room