When assessing behaviour, there are four main functions to consider. Automatic (sensory) behaviours provide internal reinforcement, meaning the Behaviour is self-soothing or internally rewarding without needing social interaction. Escape/avoidance involves removing or preventing an aversive stimulus, either by escaping from it once it’s presented or avoiding it altogether.
Tangible behaviours are aimed at gaining physical items, such as toys or food, with the Behaviour being reinforced by access to these items. Finally, attention behaviours are driven by the desire to gain social attention, which can be positive (praise, smiles) or negative (reprimands, threats). Understanding these functions helps in identifying why a Behaviour occurs and in developing effective intervention strategies to address and modify the behaviour.
