Did you know that every time we want to decrease a challenging behavior, we need to replace it with something else? This principle is at the heart of effective behavior management and intervention strategies, especially when working with learners with ASD.
Whether you’re a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a parent, understanding and implementing replacement behaviors can transform how you approach behavioral challenges.
What Are Replacement Behaviors?
Replacement behaviors are desired actions that we teach a student to engage in instead of an undesired behavior. These behaviors serve the same function as the challenging ones but in a more appropriate and constructive manner. The ultimate goal is to understand what the child is trying to communicate through their behavior and then offer a healthier alternative.
If a child is exhibiting self-injurious behavior, aggression, or property destruction, we need to ask ourselves: What are they trying to tell us? By identifying the function of the behavior – whether it’s seeking attention, avoiding a task, or fulfilling a sensory need – we can introduce a replacement behavior that satisfies the same need.
For example, consider a student who exhibits self-injurious behaviors when faced with a challenging math worksheet. The immediate concern is for the student’s safety, but the long-term solution lies in addressing the root cause. Is the worksheet too difficult, or does the student not have the skills needed to complete the worksheet?
By identifying the underlying issue, we can teach the student alternative ways to express their needs or frustrations, such as using verbal cues, sign language, or an augmentative communication device to request help or a break.
You can use our Functions of Behavior Cheat Sheet to decide what function a behavior is serving using our functions of behavior cheat sheet. Get it below!
Why Replacement Behaviors Matter
Understanding the function behind a behavior is crucial. When we understand what the child is trying to communicate, we can more easily replace the challenging behavior with a positive one.
In cases when an undesired behavior occurs, simply telling the learner to stop isn’t enough. Instead, we need to:
- Identify the Challenging Behavior: Observe and document the behavior in different settings and contexts.
- Determine the Function: Use tools like Functional Behavior Assessments to understand what the child’s trying to communicate or achieve through the behavior.
- Select a Replacement Behavior: Choose a behavior that serves the same function, but is more appropriate and constructive.
- Teach the Replacement Behavior: Use modeling, reinforcement, and practice to help the child learn and adopt the new behavior.
- Monitor and Adjust: Continuously observe the learner’s progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure the replacement behavior is effective and sustainable.
How to Tailor Replacement Behaviors to Individual Needs (with Examples)
Every student’s needs and preferences are unique, and so too should the replacement behaviors we introduce. From teaching the skill of waiting with a fidget toy to promoting water play for sensory satisfaction, there are so many possibilities and they should be tailored to the individual.
Functional Communication Training
One common form of replacement behavior is Functional Communication Training (FCT). This involves teaching the child how to communicate their needs effectively.
If a child engages in aggressive behavior to avoid a challenging task, we can teach them to use verbal cues like “I need a break” or “This is too hard.” For non-vocal children, alternative communication methods such as sign language or augmentative communication devices can be used.
The Skill of Waiting
Waiting is another critical replacement behavior, particularly for children who seek immediate gratification or attention. Teaching a child to wait for a preferred activity or attention from an adult can significantly reduce instances of challenging behavior. Strategies to teach waiting might include:
- Using Visual Timers: Helping the child understand how long they need to wait.
- Engaging Activities: Providing activities like fidget toys to occupy their time while they wait.
Sensory-Based Replacement Behaviors
For some children, challenging behaviors are driven by sensory needs. Understanding the sensory function behind the behavior allows us to offer replacements. For example:
- Sensory Bins: These can include various textures and objects to provide sensory stimulation.
- Lotion on Hands: If a child enjoys the sensation of wetness, lotion can be a safer and more socially acceptable alternative to other behaviors like playing with saliva.
- Water Play: Activities involving water can fulfill the sensory needs that drive certain behaviors, providing a soothing and engaging experience.
You can use our Functions of Behavior Cheat Sheet to decide what function a behavior is serving using our functions of behavior cheat sheet. Get it below!
Replacement behaviors aren’t about suppressing natural impulses, but rather about guiding students toward expressing themselves in ways that are both acceptable and fulfilling. By understanding the function behind challenging behaviors, we can empower students with the tools they need to communicate effectively and interact positively with the world around them.
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