Beyond the Obvious: Uncovering Hidden Behavior Influences!

Yeah, ABC data collection is a solid tool for figuring out why problem behaviors happen. But let’s not kid ourselves; it’s not the be-all and end-all. We’ve got to know when to bring in the big guns and use other strategies too.

The Role of ABC Data

ABC data helps us get a grip on how the immediate environment messes with a behavior by noting what goes down before, during, and after. This method is awesome for spotting those obvious triggers and consequences. Think of a kid throwing a fit when you take away their iPad and then calming down the second they get it back. In situations like this, your hypothesis is going to be fairly cut and dried for access to a tangible item.

Ipad removed = immediate problem behavior. Ipad returned = problem behavior stopped. You get it.

Recognizing the Limitations

The real kicker (which I’ve highlighted before): not all problem behaviors are as related to the here and now as we think they are. I’ve said it before—sometimes, the triggers and results aren't glaringly obvious. It’s like the behavior just pops up out of nowhere and there aren’t any trends in the ABC data. In those cases, ABC data might not cut it, leaving us without the insights we need to craft solid interventions.

When ABC Data Falls Short

Sometimes, problem behaviors stick around even when the environment is steady, or when usual rewards just don’t do the trick. Let’s say one of your kiddos has a history of complying with typical classroom instructions but then, out of nowhere, engages in a high magnitude problem behavior when you ask them to get in line for the playground. It results in a 20 minute tantrum and missing playground time completely.

The antecedent is an instruction that they’ve followed through with a million times (“Let’s line up to go outside!”). The consequence is the removal or delay of a highly preferred activity (playground fun). Your immediate hunch would be to assume the function is escape.

But it doesn’t really add up, right? Escape? From a thing that they typically love?

Hmmm.

It’s in situations like these where you look for more data. It’s in situations like these where you want to look for factors outside the immediate environment.

Looking Beyond the Immediate

When problem behaviors arise without a clear immediate trigger or fail to respond to usual interventions, it's a sign to look deeper. External factors such as home environment changes, sleep patterns, or even dietary changes might be influencing the child's behavior. It's essential to communicate with caregivers to gather more information about what might be affecting the child outside of the therapy setting.

Expanding Our Scope

Long story short, this scenario urges us to think beyond the immediate and consider a broader array of influences that could be at play. The video above explains this in greater detail!

• Environmental consistency: Are there subtle changes in the environment that might not be immediately obvious?

• Biological factors: Could physiological issues like illness or fatigue be influencing behavior?

• Psychological stressors: Are there any changes at home or school that might be causing stress or anxiety? Is there a background of trauma?

Embracing a Comprehensive Approach

Getting that behaviors can be complex and shaped by a mix of factors, both immediate and not, makes us better at what we do. It pushes us to not just lean on ABC data but to combine it with a broader, more in-depth look at each person's life.

Final Thoughts

Remember, no tool in ABA is the ultimate answer. Every kid is unique, and figuring out their behavior requires a flexible, open-minded approach. When ABC data falls short, take it as a chance to level up your analytical skills and dig into other possible influences on behavior.

Let’s keep sharing our experiences and learning from each other. Got insights, questions, or need more info on handling complex behaviors? Drop a comment or reach out. Together, we can deepen our understanding and better support those we work with.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to share and subscribe for more insights and discussions on navigating the complexities of ABA.

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Martin Myers is a BCBA with a passion for helping improve the field of ABA. He is the creator of BxMastery, with over 4,000 goal ideas, sequenced, to inspire your programming. With 10+ years of experience in the field, he’s dedicated to empowering others and fostering positive change through effective leadership and communication. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more insights and updates.