Function-Based Interventions

Abstract

Knowing why a student behaves in a particular way is essential when developing individualized interventions, and matching function to intervention is likely to result in improved student outcomes. Contrasting behavior interventions that do not address behavior function, the main goal of function-based behavior interventions is to disrupt the relationship between a specific problem behavior and its reinforcing consequence. In theory, by providing the hypothesized reinforcing consequence (e.g., attention) contingent on a less effortful functionally equivalent behavior or by withholding the reinforcing consequence when the target behavior is exhibited, the target behavior will cease to be functional and can be reduced or eliminated. This chapter will not focus on the process of conducting a functional behavior assessment but will instead provide a guide for practitioners as they match identified functions to individualized intervention strategies. This chapter will pay particular focus on differential reinforcement strategies.