Sensory Maintained Behaviors: The final post for our Functions of Behavior series!
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These behaviors are only identified as sensory behaviors (also known as "automatic" or "self-stimulatory") if all other functions of behavior have been ruled out. Meaning, it has been made clear that the behavior is not dependent upon any response in the environment…rather, it's the behavior itself that is reinforcing to the individual.
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As we have recommended in previous weeks, if you have not had a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) conducted by a professional in order to determine the function(s) of your child's behavior, we recommend you investigate that resource. The FBA serves as a roadmap for how to begin changing behavior effectively.
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Some criteria for sensory maintained behaviors include:
1. The child will engage in the behavior if they are alone.
2. The child will engage in the behavior if you put NO demands on him/her.
3. The child will engage in the behavior even if s/he loses rewards, privileges, or reinforcers.
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If you believe your child is engaging in a sensory maintained behavior but it changes depending on any of the above, you may want to consider other functions as well!
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Have questions or want to learn more?📩info@hsvba.com //www.hsvba.com
