Managing Challenging Behaviour
ABA programmes may also work towards reducing behaviour that is having a negative impact on an individual’s life. Behaviour analysis seeks to understand why these behaviours are occurring, by understanding what the learner is trying to communicate by engaging in problem behaviour. An individual may engage in challenging behaviour to escape a work task, access the attention of others, to access preferred items or because they enjoy the sensory stimulation it provides.
For example, if a learner is frequently engaging in shouting during classroom work, they may be attempting to ‘escape’ from work activities. A behaviour-based intervention could teach this individual to request appropriately for a ‘break’ whilst simultaneously building their tolerance to work for extended periods of time.
The behaviours targeted for reduction are selected carefully to improve quality of life whilst maintaining an individual’s ability to advocate for and express themselves. For example, whilst self-stimulatory behaviours (i.e. stimming) may sometimes be socially stigmatising, they often provide an important method of emotion regulation for individuals with additional needs. Similarly, whilst it is important for individuals to learn to follow instructions to access academic environments, it is also important to learn when to not follow instructions (e.g. if approached by a stranger) and how to advocate for their own needs. These factors are carefully considered when selecting behaviours to target for reduction as part of an ABA programme.
