By Matt Harrington, BCBA · Behaviorist Book Club · Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
The first priority is ensuring the safety of the individual and those around them. This may involve implementing interim crisis management procedures while a comprehensive functional behavior assessment is planned and conducted. The behavior analyst should gather preliminary information through record review and caregiver interviews to understand the history, frequency, intensity, and context of the behavior. Code 3.01 of the BACB Ethics Code (2022) requires that appropriate assessments precede intervention, so rushing to implement a behavior plan without adequate assessment data is both clinically and ethically problematic. Establishing a data collection system to track the behavior from the outset provides the baseline needed to evaluate future intervention effectiveness.
Ambiguous or multi-function assessment results are common in clinical practice and should not be treated as a failure of the assessment process. Behavior analysts should first consider whether additional assessment methods could clarify the picture, such as conducting structured observations in specific conditions or completing a brief experimental functional analysis. When multiple functions are supported by the data, intervention plans can be designed to address each identified function simultaneously, for example by teaching multiple functionally equivalent replacement behaviors and modifying antecedent conditions associated with each maintaining variable. It is also important to recognize that a single topography of behavior can serve different functions in different contexts.
Common mistakes include skipping or conducting inadequate functional assessments, relying too heavily on a single intervention strategy rather than designing a comprehensive plan, failing to assess and address implementation fidelity, setting unrealistic expectations for the speed of behavior change, not adequately training the people who will implement the plan, neglecting to include a crisis management component when safety is a concern, and not involving the individual and their family in the planning process. Another frequent error is designing plans that are technically sound but lack contextual fit, meaning they are too complex, require resources that are not available, or conflict with the values and routines of the people implementing them.
Extinction can be an effective component of a comprehensive intervention plan when the maintaining reinforcer has been identified and can be consistently withheld. However, extinction should rarely be used in isolation and requires careful consideration of several factors. Extinction bursts, which involve temporary increases in the frequency, intensity, or variability of the target behavior, must be anticipated and planned for. If the extinction burst could result in serious injury, extinction may not be safe to implement. Code 2.15 of the BACB Ethics Code (2022) requires minimizing risk, so behavior analysts must ensure that the potential benefits of extinction outweigh the risks and that reinforcement-based alternatives are always the primary intervention strategy.
This decision should be based on systematic data analysis, fidelity assessment, and clinical judgment. If data show no meaningful change after a reasonable period of consistent implementation with adequate fidelity, the plan likely needs modification. If fidelity data reveal that the plan is not being implemented as designed, the priority should be addressing implementation barriers rather than changing the plan itself. The expected timeline for behavior change varies depending on factors such as the complexity and history of the behavior, the intensity of the intervention, and the consistency of implementation. Behavior analysts should establish decision rules at the outset that specify the criteria for modifying the plan.
Dignity-preserving practice begins with the assessment process, which should include the individual's preferences, strengths, and perspectives to the greatest extent possible. Interventions should be designed to expand the individual's options and capabilities rather than simply suppressing behavior. Code 1.10 of the BACB Ethics Code (2022) requires behavior analysts to treat clients with dignity and respect. Practically, this means avoiding public implementation of consequential procedures, ensuring privacy during crisis situations, using person-first or identity-first language consistent with the individual's preference, involving the individual in goal setting when possible, and regularly evaluating whether the intervention is improving quality of life as well as reducing behavior.
Motivating operations are antecedent variables that alter both the reinforcing effectiveness of a consequence and the frequency of behaviors that have produced that consequence in the past. In the context of challenging behavior, motivating operations help explain why a behavior occurs at certain times and not others. For example, sleep deprivation may establish escape from demands as a more potent reinforcer, increasing the likelihood of escape-maintained challenging behavior. Behavior analysts can manipulate motivating operations as an antecedent intervention strategy by reducing establishing operations (making the reinforcer less valuable) or increasing abolishing operations (providing the reinforcer noncontingently). This approach can be particularly effective when combined with functional communication training.
Limited communication abilities are often a significant contributing factor to challenging behavior, as individuals may use challenging behavior as their most efficient means of communicating needs, preferences, and discomfort. Functional communication training (FCT) is a well-established intervention that teaches alternative communication responses that serve the same function as the challenging behavior. The communication modality should match the individual's abilities and may include vocal speech, picture exchange, sign language, or augmentative and alternative communication devices. The replacement response must be at least as efficient as the challenging behavior in accessing reinforcement. Behavior analysts should collaborate with speech-language pathologists to ensure that communication interventions are appropriate and comprehensive.
The BACB Ethics Code (2022) places significant constraints on the use of punishment procedures. Code 2.15 requires that behavior analysts recommend the least restrictive procedures likely to be effective, which means that reinforcement-based alternatives must be thoroughly implemented before punishment is considered. Code 2.16 requires that when restrictive procedures are recommended, the behavior analyst documents the rationale, obtains informed consent, ensures proper oversight, and establishes criteria for discontinuing the procedure. Behavior analysts must also ensure they are practicing within their scope of competence (Code 1.05) and that any punishment procedure is implemented in a manner that minimizes risk and preserves the individual's dignity.
Preparation begins with honest, clear communication about what to expect, including the possibility of extinction bursts, the time required for meaningful change, and the importance of consistency. Training should use behavioral skills training methods that include instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback rather than relying solely on written instructions or verbal explanation. Behavior analysts should assess the family's resources, stressors, and competing demands and design plans that fit within the family's routine and capacity. Ongoing support through regular check-ins, troubleshooting sessions, and adjustments to the plan as needed helps maintain caregiver engagement. Acknowledging the difficulty of the work and celebrating progress, even incremental progress, supports sustained implementation.
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.