The Six Most Common Functions for Behaviours

1. To obtain a preferred item or activity.
2. Escape or avoidance. The behaviour helps the child to escape from a setting or activity that he or she doesn't want.
3. To get attention, either from significant adults or peers.
4. To communicate. This is especially true with children with disabilities that limit their ability to communicate.
5. Self-stimulation when the behaviour itself provides reinforcement.
6. Control or power. Some students feel particularly powerless, and a problematic behaviour may give them a sense of power or control.

Identifying the Function

ABA uses a simple acronym, while ABC (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence) defines the three pivotal parts of behaviour. The definitions are as follows:

• Antecedent: The environment in which the behaviour occurs and the circumstances that surround the occurrence of the behaviour or people in the environment when the behaviour occurs.
• Behaviour: The behaviour, what the student does, needs to be defined.
• Consequence: Everything that happens after the behaviour, including how people respond to the behaviour and what happens.

Webster, Jerry. "Human Behaviour and Identifying Its Functions." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/the-function-of-behavior-3110363.

Tips for Supporting Positive Behaviour

https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/behaviour/behaviour-questions-issues/disrespectful-behaviour