Conduct a detailed case study involving a functional behavior assessment.Instructions –
Select a Case: Choose an individual with challenging behavior (this could be a real-life case with permission or a hypothetical scenario).
Describe the Behavior: Provide a detailed description of the behavior, including frequency, intensity, and context.
Conduct an Indirect Assessment: Gather information using interviews or questionnaires from individuals familiar with the case (e.g., parents, teachers, caregivers).
Direct Observation: Collect ABC data over several observation sessions.
Identify the Function: Based on the data collected, determine the function of the behavior.
Develop an Intervention Plan: Propose an intervention strategy tailored to the identified function of the behavior.
Case Study: Disruptive Outbursts in the Classroom (Hypothetical Scenario)
Case: This case study examines the disruptive outbursts of a 9-year-old student named Sarah in her 4th-grade classroom.
Describe the Behavior: Sarah exhibits disruptive outbursts characterized by loud talking, throwing objects, and occasional name-calling directed at classmates. These outbursts typically occur 2-3 times a week, lasting for 2-5 minutes each. Outbursts are most frequent during group activities, independent seat work, or when Sarah struggles to complete tasks.
Indirect Assessment: Interviews with Sarah’s teacher reveal that she is a bright student but can be easily frustrated. The teacher reports that Sarah often avoids asking for help and may withdraw when she feels overwhelmed. Interviews with Sarah’s parents indicate that similar outbursts occur at home, particularly during homework time.
Direct Observation: Utilizing ABC data collection (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) over several days, the following patterns emerge:
Identify the Function: Based on the ABC data, the outbursts primarily occur when Sarah feels overwhelmed or frustrated (antecedent). This suggests the function of the behavior may be to:
Develop an Intervention Plan: A multi-pronged approach targeting both the function of the behavior and skill development can be implemented:
Monitoring and Evaluation: The effectiveness of the intervention plan will be monitored through ongoing ABC data collection. Regular communication with Sarah and her parents will be crucial for evaluating progress and making adjustments to the plan as needed.
Through a comprehensive functional behavior assessment and a targeted intervention plan, Sarah can develop the skills and strategies to manage her frustration and participate more effectively in the classroom environment.