Behave Yuself

In order to modify individual’s behaviour we need a clear understanding of behavour. “If a dead man can do it, it ain’t behavior. And if a dead man can’t do, then it is behavior” (Cooper et. al., 2007, p. 26). A clear definition of behavior should include what the behavior involves and what it excludes. When defining behavior consider:

• What are they doing

• What are they not doing

• What are specific body parts doing (e.g. hands, feet, mouth, teeth, head)?

The ABC of Behaviour

A question that plays in the minds of professionals “What Controls Behaviour”?

Antecedent “Trigger”- An environmental condition or change that occurs just before the behavior of interest/social significant behaviour

Behavior- The behavior of interest/response

Consequence “Pay Off”- An environmental condition or change that occurs just after the behavior of interest/response

It is vital that we understand the ABC’s of behaviour in order to develop intervention programs to help