Meet Susie, a 7-year-old girl with ADHD who struggles with impulsivity and disruptive behavior in the classroom. Her parents are concerned about her academic progress and social interactions with peers. They decide to seek the help of a behavior analyst who conducts an Analog Condition Functional Analysis (ACFA) to better understand Susie’s behavior.
- The behavior analyst observes Susie in different analog conditions, such as during independent work time, small group instruction, and free play. The analyst also manipulates environmental factors, such as teacher attention and task difficulty, to see how they affect Susie’s behavior.
- Through the ACFA, the analyst identifies that Susie’s disruptive behavior is most likely maintained by escape from academic tasks, as she is observed to engage in the behavior most often during independent work time.
- Based on this information, the analyst develops a behavior plan that includes modifying academic tasks to make them more manageable for Susie and providing her with frequent breaks to help her regulate her behavior.
- Over time, Susie’s behavior improves significantly. She can complete academic tasks more independently and positively interact with her peers. Her parents are thrilled with her progress and grateful for the help of the behavior analyst.
In conclusion, Analog Condition Functional Analysis is useful in understanding and addressing problem behavior in individuals with special needs. By identifying the function of the behavior, behavior analysts can develop effective interventions that promote positive behavior change. For children with special needs, products like Goally, a tablet that helps kids build life and language skills through fun apps, can also aid their development and growth.
