Understanding the Functions of Behavior

This 3-page visual guide explains all four functions of behavior through a concrete classroom example — for each function, showing what the behavior looks like, what observable clues reveal the function, and what the behavior is communicating.

What You'll Learn

• The four functions of behavior: Attention, Access, Escape, and Sensory
• How the same behavior (e.g., wandering) can serve different functions in different contexts
• Observable clues for identifying each function in real classroom situations
• What each function tells us the student is communicating through their behavior

Who Is This For

BCBAs, educators, parents, and behavior staff learning to identify function of behavior to inform BIP strategies.

Access this resource as part of your BIP Visualized subscription.