ABA-BASED BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
ABA FOUNDATION – Understanding Behavior
ABC Analysis
A – Antecedent: What triggered the behavior?
B – Behavior: What exactly did the student do?
C – Consequence: What happened after the behavior?
Functions of Behavior Replacement Behavior
Examples
Escape / Avoid Throwing → “Help, please”
Attention Screaming → “I need a break”
Sensory Hitting → “Gentle hands”
Access to preferred item/activity Running → “Walking feet”
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT STRATEGIES (PBS)
Positive Reinforcement Setting Clear
Expectations
Verbal praise 3–5 simple class rules
Stickers, points, tokens Use visuals (posters, cue cards)
High-fives, smiles Pre-correction: tell expected
behavior before instruction Model the correct
behavior
Preferred activities
Leadership/responsibility roles
Gentle, Safe Consequences Practical tools you can use
today
Ignore what is safe to ignore First–Then Cards
Redirect calmly Visual Schedules
Model appropriate behavior Choices (e.g., “You may choose A
or B”)
Natural consequences Clear, short instructions
Logical consequences Movement breaks
❌ Avoid: shame, yelling, threats, long lectures
CICO – Check-In/Check-Out FIDELITY CHECK – Is the Plan
Working?
CICO Steps Are behaviors improving?
Morning check-in + choose goal Is the replacement behavior being
reinforced?
Behavior rated each class/period Are expectations consistent across
staff?
Afternoon check-out + reinforcement Are tools used daily and correctly?
Weekly data shared with teacher and SENCo Review daily/weekly tracking
sheets
DEVELOPMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS (K.I.D.S.)
K – Know your student
I – Instill unconditional support
D – Develop their strengths
S – Support self-advocacy
Students learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported.
“They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”