Ep. 50: What to Do When You Don’t Know the Function of a Behavior

Struggling to address aggression in non-vocal learners? In this episode, Audra and Caitlin dive into practical strategies for managing sudden, seemingly random aggressive behaviors. They explore why behaviors might spike, the importance of consistent reinforcement, and how taking a step back can be the key to moving forward.✨ Key Takeaways🔄 When to Reset: If a learner’s aggressive behavior escalates, revisit earlier interventions, even if it feels like “going backwards.”⭐ Know Your Learner: Conduct informal preference assessments regularly to keep reinforcers fresh and effective.🧩 Consistency is Key: Ensure all team members are aligned on reinforcement strategies and behavior plans.🎯 Dense Reinforcement Schedules: When needed, reintroduce primary reinforcers on a dense schedule to regain stability.🌱 Progress Takes Time: Behavior change is a systematic process—don’t rush the fading of reinforcers or supports.📚 Resources and Ideas✔️ Caitlin's FREE guide on Function-Based interventions ✔️ Caitlin's resource for functions of behaviors ✔️ Audra's preference assessment and Caitlin's preference assessment 📘 Journal Articles – Some useful articles to check out:     "Aggression in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Presentation and Treatment Options" (examines the prevalence and characteristics of aggression in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder)      "Communication Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Minimally Verbal Children" (evaluates the effectiveness of communication interventions for minimally verbal children with ASD) 📘 Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2020): Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd Edition) for reinforcement and preference assessment strategies.📝 The Essentials of ABA: Reinforcement schedules and managing satiation. Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Step 9 in the FBA Mini-Series: Antecedent Strategies 🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!💬 Get Involved: Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!