Challenging Behavior

Abstract

In this paper, a challenging behavior is identified. The function and context of this behavior is described in detail and a functional assessment, with hypothesis statement and functional analysis is included.

A behavior support plan which describes response and prevention strategies is provided, along with ethical effects and considerations.

Challenging Behavior

Billy is a nine year old boy, who lives with both loving parents, and three older siblings. He was recently diagnosed with A. D. H. D. Billy loves spending time with his family and especially loves going out with his parents. One day Billy’s parents were going out and he wanted to go with them, so he went upstairs to get ready. Meanwhile, Billy’s parents were leaving.

When Billy came downstairs he threw himself on the ground, kicked, and screamed. This behavior was usual for Billy. He was punished for his behavior. Instead of Billy getting his way, he had to stay home with his siblings. Billy would throw fits so bad that his sister would have to hold him until he calmed down. Doctors told Billy’s parents to give him medication to slow him down, but they chose not to. ABC’s Of Behavior The antecedent, behavior, consequence, and setting events are often referred to as the ABC’s of behavior.

The antecedent of Billy’s behavior is, having to stay home instead of going out with his parents. The behavior is him throwing a fit. The consequence is Billy getting punished for his behavior, being held until he calmed down, and doctors being notified. The setting events may include His A. D. H. D. , the possibility of to much sugar, and not achieving his desired affects which is going with his parents. Function and Context of Behavior All behavior serve a function or purpose. In Billy’s case, his tantrum throwing (behavior) is a result of him not achieving what he wanted.

His behavior was also a result of his A. D. H. D. Challenging Behavior

Functional Assessment Hypothesis Statement

If Billy doesn’t get to go with his parents, then he throws himself to the ground kicking and screaming until he gets what he wants, or like in most cases, he’s held down until he’s calm. Functional Analysis Billy will be observed for a week with current strategies in place. Parents and siblings will activities such as bored games to help increase attention p, and a low sugar diet.

Behavior Support Plan

Student’s Name: Billy Denison Today’s Date: 2/16/13 Review Date: 3/16/13

1.  The challenging behavior is: Throwing himself to the ground; kicking and screaming.
2.  It is challenging because: It makes it difficult for siblings when they have to calm him down by holding him. He makes a big scene.
3. The need for a behavioral support plan: Moderate
4.  Frequency or intensity of behavior: Regular Basis: Moderate
5.  What are the predictors of the behavior:
6.  What supports the child using the behavior: His hyperactivity; not enough sleep.
7.  What environmental changes, structure and supports are needed to remove the student’s need to use this behavior? Bored games to help increase Billy’s attention p. Benedryl at night to help him sleep, and a low sugar diet.
8. Parent’s believe Billy’s behavior ocurrs because: Billy’s behavior is linked directly to A. D. H. D. Challenging Behavior
9.  What parents believe child should do instead of throw fits: Accept the fact that when they go out he can’t always go with them. Billy should not throw himself on the ground kicking and screaming but be a good kid.
10.  What strategies should be taken? Benedryl at night before bed. This will help Billy sleep well at night. b. Low sugar diet. A low sugar diet will decrease Billy’s hyperactivity. c. Board games to help increase his attention p. d. Provide different activities of his choice: Take a more positive approach by having activities for Billy to play while his parents are out. e. Assign tasks for Billy. Give him assigned chores to do to help him focus. Re-direct him from overwhelming hyperactivity to assign tasks.
11. What are reinforcement procedures for establishing, maintaining, and generalizing the replacement behaviors?
12. Every time Billy accepts not getting what he wants with a positive behavior, he will receive praise and a reward such as going out for an ice cream.
13.  What strategies will be employed if the problem behavior occurs again? When Billy throws a fit and has to be held down, he will lose a privilege. This privilege may be going out for an ice cream or going to the park to play ball.
14. In what time frame should behaviors decrease? Challenging behavior should decrease within the first month. This may take some time due to the A. D. H. D.

With constant support, structure, and nutrition, Billy’s challenging behavior should decrease within the first month. Challenging Behavior #6 Ethical Considerations As a nine year old it is easy to understand right from wrong. Billy is fully aware of his behavior, although sometimes it was hard for him to control these ongoing feelings and urges. It is important that Billy’s parents implement proper nutrition, bored games, and benedryl to help him sleep, to decrease the chances of these challenging behaviors. This is going to be an everyday choice for Billy and his parents.