Case Study: Develop an Intervention Plan

 

Your job for this case study is to develop an intervention plan based on the function of behavior.
The case study will provide a brief description of the student, the student’s classroom setting, and
an ABC recording chart presenting the antecedents and setting events (context) related to the
behavior and the consequences that follow it. The case study also identifies the function of
challenging behavior and provides a rationale for selecting that function.
After reading the case study, you will have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive
intervention plan to decrease challenging behavior and increase appropriate behavior that will
replace the challenging behavior.
In developing your intervention plans, you should consider changing the antecedents and setting
events, as well as the consequences.
After reviewing the case study:
1. In designing an intervention plan to address Matt’s behavior, you should match the function of
his behavior. In other words, the intervention should, in part at least, allow Matt to achieve the
same function as he currently achieves through challenging behavior. Your intervention plan also
should address what will happen if/when challenging behavior does occur.
2. Finally, in addition to addressing appropriate replacement behaviors and the supports for those
behaviors, you also should think about how to change antecedent conditions so you can prevent
Matt from engaging in challenging behavior. Reread the goals of intervention when the function
of challenging behavior is sensory stimulation/sensory regulation as you develop an intervention
plan to address Matt’s behavior.

 

Sample Solution

Case Study: Matt

Brief Description of the Student

Matt is a 7-year-old student in the second grade. He is a bright and energetic child who loves to learn. However, Matt also has difficulty regulating his sensory needs. He often seeks out sensory stimulation in inappropriate ways, such as making loud noises, banging on his desk, or throwing objects.

Student’s Classroom Setting

Matt’s classroom is a typical second-grade classroom with 25 students. The classroom is brightly lit and has a variety of materials and activities for students to choose from.

ABC Recording Chart

Antecedent Behavior Consequent
Teacher asks Matt to sit down during circle time Matt throws a chair Teacher sends Matt to the principal’s office
Matt is asked to complete a worksheet Matt starts making loud noises Teacher gives Matt a warning
Matt is lining up to go to recess Matt starts banging on his desk Teacher takes Matt out of the line

Function of Challenging Behavior

Matt’s challenging behavior is a way for him to seek out sensory stimulation. When he is feeling overwhelmed or bored, he engages in behaviors that provide him with the sensory input he needs.

Rationale for Selecting Function of Challenging Behavior

The ABC recording chart shows that Matt’s challenging behavior typically occurs after he is asked to do something that he finds difficult or boring. This suggests that his behavior is a way for him to avoid these tasks. Additionally, Matt’s behavior often involves making loud noises or banging on objects. This suggests that he is seeking out sensory stimulation.

Intervention Plan

Goals of Intervention

  • Matt will be able to identify his sensory needs.
  • Matt will be able to request sensory breaks when he is feeling overwhelmed.
  • Matt will be able to engage in appropriate replacement behaviors when he is seeking out sensory stimulation.

Antecedent Interventions

  • Provide Matt with a fidget toy to keep his hands busy during circle time and other quiet activities.
  • Allow Matt to take short breaks during activities that he finds difficult or boring.
  • Give Matt clear and consistent instructions.
  • Break down tasks into smaller steps.

Setting Event Interventions

  • Provide Matt with a variety of sensory toys and activities to choose from.
  • Create a calm and quiet space in the classroom where Matt can go when he is feeling overwhelmed.
  • Teach Matt relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

Consequent Interventions

  • Provide Matt with positive reinforcement when he engages in appropriate replacement behaviors.
  • Redirect Matt to an appropriate activity when he is engaging in challenging behavior.
  • Avoid punishing Matt for his challenging behavior.

Replacement Behaviors

  • Provide Matt with sensory breaks when he requests them.
  • Allow Matt to choose from a variety of sensory toys and activities.
  • Teach Matt relaxation techniques.

Supplements for Replacement Behaviors

  • Provide Matt with a visual schedule to help him anticipate transitions.
  • Give Matt clear and consistent expectations.
  • Use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behavior.

Monitoring and Evaluation

It is important to monitor Matt’s progress and make adjustments to the intervention plan as needed. Data can be collected on the frequency of Matt’s challenging behavior, the frequency of his requests for sensory breaks, and the frequency of his use of replacement behaviors. This data can be used to determine whether the intervention plan is effective and whether any changes need to be made.

Conclusion

Matt’s challenging behavior is a way for him to seek out sensory stimulation. By providing Matt with opportunities to engage in appropriate sensory activities and by teaching him relaxation techniques, we can help him to regulate his sensory needs and reduce his challenging behavior.

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