Functional Behavioral Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Third Edition

Ennio Cipani, PhD

pages 140-149

what is a replacement behavior?

when treating problem behaviors,one must decrease the target unacceptable behaviors while selecting an alternate desirable behavior,termed a replacement behavior,for specific reinforcement,a replacement behavior serves the same environmental function as a problem behavior.the selected replacement behavior must be capable of producing the same reinforcer as the problem behavior in the identified contexts.

example of alternate replacement behaviors

problem behavior:

小朋友a想要玩小朋友b的玩具，小朋友a從小朋友b手上把玩具搶過來，隨後帶著玩具跑開

goal：

decrease the target inappropriate behavior,which is,grabbing the toy from someone elese and running away with the toy,increase an alternate appropriate behavior given the same context

possible appropriate replacement behaviors:

1.requesting toy

child gets the toy from another child by asking nicely if he can play with the toy,and other child gives the toy upon requested.

2.offering to play together

child shares the toy with another child by asking nicely if he or she can play with the toy with that child.

3.getting another toy,while waiting for the desired toy to become available

adult specifies time period each child wanting a certain toy will have,e.g.,2 mins,the target child waits or gets another toy during the interim period.

example of alternate replacement behaviors for tantrum behaviors

problem behavior:

when the child desires a toy that someone else has,the child gets the toy from the caregiver by throwing a tantrum for several minutes.

goal:

decrease the target inappropriate behavior,i.e.,tantrum behavior,increase an alternate appropriate behavior given the same context.

appropriate replacement behaviors:

1.request toy form caregiver

the child is given the toy by the caregiver after an appropriate request is made for the toy.

2.finish task or chore first

the child is given the toy by the caregiver after the child completes the task or chore assigned.

the steps to identifying replacement behaviors

identify the diagnostic category of problem behavior by assigning it to one of the four major diagnostic categories(and sub-categories)

identify the specific reinforcers that result from the occurrence of the problem behavior, under the prevailing motivational conditions and antecedent contexts

designate an alternate appropriate behaviors or behavioral criteria that will be made to produce the same function as the problem behavior in the identified antecedent social contexts,whether naturally or contrived

if the problem behavior serves more than one function,identify the different functions for each antecedent context and repeat above steps for each unique source of stimulus contro.

disable one function,enable another

to accomplish the successful transition from a currently functional target problem behavior becoming nonfunctional and a currently nonfunctional appropriate behavior becoming functional,social control over the maintaining contingencies is required!

the target behavior's current function needs to be disabled or severely impaired by manipulating those current maintaining contingencies,equally important,the alternate appropriate behavior needs to be enabled in producing the desired environmental function previously produced by the target behavior under relevant motivational conditions.

replacement function of options for direct access problem behaviors

alternate direct access from replacement option:identify an alternate,more acceptable form of behavior that directly produces the same specific reinforcer

access mand(request) replacement option

identify a requesting behavior that would allow staff to mediate such a request or choice by providing the client with a more appropriate setting in which to engage in the problem behavior

delay of gratification training option(differential reinfrocement of other behavior)

premack contingency replacement option(engagement in lower probability behavior as the contingency for access to a specific reinforcer)

identify a regimen of tasks that,when completed,allows the client to access the specific reinforcer

chain interruption strategy

interrupting or blocking the performance of the behavior at its earliest onset.

alternate direct access form option

rearranged contingencies

functional treatment:

direct access:tangible reinforcer

contingency plan for target behavior

if engaging in the target behavior(running outside),che client will be stopped and brought back immediately to the start point,the client will re required to wait a period of time,for example,1-2 mins,before being prompted to perform the alternate behavior,of course staff have to be closed to catch any inappropriate exiting behavior immediately,upon which they will perform this regimen.

contigency plan for replacement behavior

if the student signs out,he or she will be allowed to go outside if walking appropriately, student may need staff to prompt such behavior in contrast to running,as well as massed trials of practice.

acceptable form

functional treatment:

direct access:immediate sensory stimuli

contingency plan for target behaivor

if the student attempts to stick inedible items in his or her mouth,the student will be physically prevented from achieving such a result,if possible,additionally,a 3-minute removal from environment(place him or her in a chair where access to any object is precluded)should be effected before prompting the replacement behavior,the function of this 3-minute time-out is to make such attempts less functional and more arduous in getting edible item

contingency plan for replacement behavior

if the student walks over to the basket where there is food,he or she may eat in peace,this option would be considered for clients who do not have problems with weight,such as obesity

in some cases,it may be possible to teach the individual to request permission to engage in the desired activity(a mand).a request or mand need not be vocal,it could be a manual sign or gesture,such as pointing to a symbol or picture,the only requirement on the form of the request is that it is reliably translated by the receiver of the massage.

contingent upon a request,staff can then provide an appropriate place for the student or client to engage in the behavior(比如自慰？不能在公共場合進行，但是允許孩子在自己的房間或衛生間？這種事情要關起門才能做）

functional treatment :direct access:immediated sensory stimuli

contingency plan for target behavior

interrupt initial chain of stereotypic behavior,removal for several minutes from any opportunity to perform such behavior

contingency plan for replacement behavior

prompt client to request(in whatever designated form) access to desired activity or event. contingent upon request,provide client access to desired activity in a designated setting, with some behaviors diagnosed as direct access(e.g.,masturbation,nose picking,還有摳屁股),the area should be private,away from others seeing the client.