Are you aware of the four basic functions of behaviors in autism?

A behavior that a person engages in repeatedly will typically serve some kind of purpose or function for them (O’Neill, et al, 1997).

In applied behavior analysis therapy (ABA), the experts have found that all behavior can be reasoned. And, as per the studies, there are four basic functions that have been identified of which only the three are mostly talked about. The fourth one, technically which is referred to as the automatic negative reinforcement is discussed much less.

In autism behavioral therapy, studying these four functions of behavior is necessary to identify why a person is continuing to engage in a certain belief, pattern or purpose.

This is essentially the assumption that there is a rationale for a behavior's occurrence. It might be difficult to comprehend why an adult or kid engages in a behavior, especially if it is negative such as violence or self-injury, but understanding the underlying purpose can help.

At the same time, behavior might serve multiple purposes. A kid may act out in order to get a teacher's attention or out of irritation at having to accomplish an academic work. When we talk about a behavior's "function," we're basically talking about "why" it happens. While it may be difficult to comprehend why someone does something (for example, challenging behaviors like self-injury or hostility), there will always be a reason.

Escape

Not all behaviors aim to gain anything in the same way that attention-seeking does. When a youngster engages in escape behavior, he or she is attempting to flee from or avoid something. When a child misbehaves in class, for example, by placing their head down on the desk when given an assignment, they are trying to evade the work or study.

Escape behaviors could be the result of a lack of drive to complete the work or a task that is too tough. When trying to figure out why a child is attempting to flee, it can be beneficial to take a step back and give them simpler activities to assist them understand the work.

Social Attention

The first is social attention, sometimes known as attention-seeking. The purpose of attention-seeking conduct is to attract the attention of an adult or another child who is nearby. For example, a youngster may complain in order to obtain their parents' attention. They may also indulge in particular actions to entice others to laugh or play with them, or simply to draw attention to themselves. They might not always be looking for favorable feedback. The youngster may be acting in a certain way to generate a reaction from their parent or instructor, such as rage or scolding.

Seeking Access to Tangibles or Activities

A behavior's third role is to seek out tangibles or activities. This refers to the idea that certain kids participate in certain behaviors in order to acquire access to a desired item or activity. Because the youngster is doing something to acquire what he or she wants, this conduct is the polar opposite of escape. For example, a kid may scream or cry in a store in order for an adult to buy them the toy they desire. It can also be considered as a positive trait if a child rushes to get ready or finish their duties so they can go play.

Sensory Stimulation

This activity refers to self-stimulation or stimulating the senses. This conduct is used to provide the youngster with a pleasurable interior sensation or to remove an unpleasant internal sensation. Scratching is a simple illustration of this. To relieve itching caused by bug bites or sunburn, a youngster may scratch their skin. This will undoubtedly vary according to the child. Fast sports may provide sensory stimulation for one, while another child may prefer to rock back and forth to counter his or her senses.

The function of issue behaviors that your kid exhibits will be determined by ABA therapists. Understanding why your child is acting badly will assist the ABA therapist figure out how to help your child meet his or her needs without resorting to negative behavior.

An ABA therapist can build intervention tactics to stop problem behaviors once they understand why your child is displaying them.