How Can Parents Identify the Function of a Behavior?

Children’s behaviors do not happen randomly. Every behavior has a purpose — even those that seem challenging or difficult to understand. For parents, learning to observe what happens before and after a behavior is the key to understanding what maintains it.

🔍 Three Key Questions Parents Can Ask

Before reacting, take a moment to observe:

What happened right before?

• Was an instruction given?
• Was a toy removed?
• Was the adult busy?
• Was there a transition or change in activity?

What did the child do?

• Did they cry, scream, drop to the floor, run away, or hit?
• How long did the behavior last?

What happened immediately after?

• Did the child receive attention?
• Was the demand removed?
• Did they get what they wanted?
• Were they left alone or did the behavior continue without intervention?

👉 What happens after the behavior often gives the clearest clue about its function.

🧠 Practical Clues Based on Function

🔹 Attention

If the behavior occurs when the adult is busy and stops when someone looks, talks, or approaches, the child may be seeking attention.

🔹 Tangibles (Objects or Activities)

If the behavior happens when access is denied or something is taken away and stops once the child gets the item, the function is likely access to tangibles.

🔹 Escape or Avoidance

If the behavior occurs when a task is presented and stops when the task is delayed or removed, the function may be escape.

🔹 Sensory (Automatic)

If the behavior happens even when the child is alone and does not change based on adult reactions, it is often maintained by sensory stimulation.

✍️ A Simple Example

“Every time I ask my child to clean up toys, they cry. When I stop insisting, the crying stops.”

📌 Important clue: the behavior removes the demand → possible escape function.

💡 Key Tips for Parents

✔️ Look for patterns, not isolated events
✔️ Avoid labeling behavior as “manipulation”
✔️ Remember: behavior is a form of communication
✔️ Share your observations with your therapy team
✔️ Do not change strategies without professional guidance

💙 Our Message as a Team

At Bhavioral Corporation, we help families learn to read behavior — not punish it.

When parents learn to identify the function, they become active partners in their child’s progress and development.