Do you know your ABC’s?
Hi there! How are you? It’s so nice to see you here!
“A-B-C, it’s easy as 1-2-3…”
I’m not sure about you , but anytime I talk about the A-B-C’s of behavior, I start hearing this Jackson 5 song run through my head. You too?
As a special education teacher, I had a very faint idea of what the behavior A-B-C’s entailed. I knew it was information collected about behavior, but I wasn’t sure what it all added up to, how to read it, etc. It wasn’t until I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that it all clicked.
And it also made me realize, not everyone knows about these foundations in this way!
When talking about the A-B-C’s with my colleagues, staff or parents, I always describe it as building blocks.
An event (antecedent) builds to the behavior which then builds to the consequence.
First comes A -> The Antecedent
Next comes B -> The Behavior
Then comes C -> The Consequence
The A-B-C’s are used to hypothesize:
The function of the behavior
Discover any trends with the behavior
And build an operational definition (observable and measurable)
So great, we can figure out the function, look at trends, come up with an operational definition. Cool.
But what happens when you observe so many behaviors? Where do you start?
Use the Relevance of Behavior Rule and ask yourself this question:
“Is it (the behavior) relevant (likely to produce reinforcement in their natural environment)?”
[Relevance of Behavior Rule: Only behaviors that will actually be relevant (useful and capable of producing reinforcement) in an individual's real life should be targeted for teaching.]
Once you answer that question for yourself and can identify the most relevant behaviors, you can begin developing interventions and replacement behaviors to support the learner.
I love nothing more than diving into data and finding a way to help someone who is seeking support from
a behavioral lens.
Personally, when I look at this information I look at the data, yes, but I also see the whole child. I don’t just see the data, I also see the person. I remember that this information is about someone’s baby and I am entrusted with helping them.
I don’t take that lightly. Maybe that’s just the special educator in me.
As a behavior analyst within the field, our job is to follow the 4 core ethical principles when working with clients and their families to make sure that we are always providing information and services that:
benefit others,
treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect,
that we behave with integrity,
and ensure our own competence within the field.
It’s a big responsibility, but there is no other way I could envision serving this community in this way.
Wherever you are in your journey as a parent, a practioner, an educator or someone wanting to learn more to support a loved one, get to know your behavior A-B-C’s.
When working with your behavior analysts, special educators, school psychologist, etc. having a greater understanding of these building blocks will only help to better serve you and your learner with finding what they need!
What is your experience with A-B-C data and the A-B-C’s of behaviors? What specific questions are swirling around in your mind?
Be sure to share with me over on Instagram @coffemugsandclipboards!
