A behavior is anything you say or do. A behavior is considered maladaptive when the individual is not adequately or appropriately adjusting to their environment or a situation. Children on the spectrum may exhibit maladaptive behaviors in situations such as transitioning from one task to another, being asked to engage in a non-preferred task, having access to a preferred item or attention delayed or denied. Familiar behavior terms may be non-compliance, physical aggression, tantrum and elopement. These behaviors may be considered maladaptive in many circumstances.
Function of Behavior
To address maladaptive behavior you must first understand the function of the behavior. In the field of ABA there are four common functions of behavior and behavior is typically displayed for one or more of the following reasons:
To escape or avoid
To gain access to an item or activity
To gain attention from another individual
The behavior is automatically reinforcing (e.g., self-soothing, stress-relieving)
Knowing the function can help support a parent or professional in appropriately addressing the maladaptive behavior. This can be done by finding out what events occur before and after the behavior is displayed. This information, when collected over time, can allow a pattern of behavior to be discovered and support in the identification of the function of behavior. ABC data collection can be used by parents and professionals to document the displays of behavior.
ABC Data Collection
Antecedent: Document what event occurs immediately before the behavior is displayed. Include any items, sounds, smells or individuals directly involved in the antecedent event
Behavior: Detail the behavior displayed including all actions, words and items used during the behavior display
Consequence: Document what event occurs immediately after the behavior was displayed. Include any items, sounds, smells or individuals directly involved in the consequence event
Collect ABC data each time a behavior occurs over at least a week. It is also helpful to document the time and location the behavior was displayed.
Identify Adaptive Behavior
Once you've collected data and identified the function of the behavior, you'll want to identify what adaptive behavior the child can display to get the same results they are seeking when displaying a maladaptive behavior. Target adaptive behaviors may be communication, accepting alternatives, using calming strategies, etc.
Communication
If communication is the target maladaptive behavior, the individual will be supported in using their words to appropriately communicate a want, need or idea. The goal would be that they can communicate calmly and concisely in an appropriate communication modality. If a child can vocalize speech they should speak their message. If the child can not effectively utilize vocal speech, an alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) system should be utilized. An AAC system may involve the exchange of an icon that represents an item of interest or utilizing an electronic device in which an icon that represents an item of interest can be selected and the device vocalizes the name of the icon. A speech therapist can support with the proper communication modality to use.
Accepting Alternatives
If an item of interest is not available an adaptive behavior goal may be that the child selects an alternative item to engage with in lieu of engaging with the item of interest or until the item of interest can be made available.
Using Calming Strategies
If a child has difficulty remaining calm when experiencing intense emotions they maybe supported in this by being taught to utilize methods to calm down before reacting to a situation. Calming strategies may include taking deep breaths, counting to 10, using a sensory ball etc.
Waiting
At times it may be difficult to wait and a wait period may seem endless. It's important to inform the individual they will need to wait rather than ignoring them. To support them with the wait period setting a timer or informing them of when the wait period will end can help ease anxiety.
Get a support team
An outside perspective and a team experienced in addressing maladaptive behavior may help provide needed support when seeking behavior change. A team may include the following to do the following:
Physician: Diagnose, provide medication and medical advice
Behavior Therapist: Identify behavior management strategies and teach adaptive behavior skills
Speech Therapist: Identify underlying reason for communication deficits and teach the individual how to effectively communicate
Occupational Therapist: Identify fine motor and sensory deficits and provide tools or strategies to support in the aforementioned areas
Psychologist: Identify mental health issues and suggest coping strategies
It's important to understand you are not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Behavior change occurs with patience and dedication to a treatment routine that will, over time, enable the child to adaptively react to their environment or a situation.
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