Scientific approach to observing and managing the behaviour of children with autism – ABC Behaviour AnalysisIn special education and behavioural interventions, the assessment of behavioural characteristics of autistic children is the basis for the development of intervention programmes. ABC Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a widely used behavioural observation tool. By documenting the causes (A), the conduct itself (B) and the consequences (C), ABC behavioural analysis helps us to systematically analyse the patterns and causes of child behaviour.I. Basic Concepts of ABC Conduct Analysis LawThe ABC Behaviour Analysis Act consists of three main components, namely, causes, conduct and consequences:1. A prior cause (Antecedent, A): means an event or situation prior to the act. For example, in situations where parents ask children to stop playing games, this request is the cause of behaviour. This record helps observers to identify potential causes of problematic behaviour.2. Conduct (Behavior, B): refers to specific behaviour manifested by the child, such as shouting. A clear record of the characteristics and manifestations of the behaviour helps to analyse its frequency, intensity and variability.3. Consequences (Consequance, C): refers to reactions or actions after the act, such as repeated demands from parents, numerical threats, etc. By analysing the consequences of the act, we can see how the subsequent act affects the maintenance or disappearance of the act.This systematic approach to observation helps us to quantify the frequency of conduct and to analyse the functional motivation behind it. By understanding how causes and consequences influence behaviour, we can design intervention strategies more specifically.II. Example and application of ABC data collectionIn practical application, the use of ABC behavioural analysis helps us to accurately identify and document the causes, behaviours and consequences of the behaviour of children with autism. The following is a typical example of how conduct is recorded and analysed in detail through ABC behaviour analysis:Source (A)BehaviourConsequences (C)Parents ask J to stop playing computer games.J yelled, “No!” and refused to leave the computer.Parents again asked J to leave the computer.Parents again asked J to stop playing.J refused to leave again.Parents start counting to 10, threatening to leave.If you don’t comply with the threat, you can confiscate the computer.J hasn’t left yet. Keep playing with the computer.Parents continue to threaten to stop using computers.Parents count to 10 again.J ignored the warning and continued to use the computer.Parents leave the room angryly.In this example, we observe the relationship between the behaviour of J and the multiple requests and threats from parents. By documenting in detail the circumstances in which each act occurs, we can find that J was called and rejected when asked to stop the game. At the same time, we can see that this consequence may have reinforced J’s resistance in response to repeated threats by parents but not actually implemented. Information on the conduct analysis method helps to detect potential functions of problematic behaviour, such as evading mandates or gaining attention.III. PRACTICAL APPLICATION AND NOTES OF ABC ACTUAL ANALYSIS1. The importance of clarifying the motive of conductThe central role of ABC behaviour analysis is to help observers identify the motivations of the problem, thus providing a scientific basis for behavioural intervention. An analysis of the above forms shows that J ‘ s behaviour may be driven by a number of reasons, such as avoiding (indulgent to stop playing), getting parental attention (parents repeatedly threatening) or sensory satisfaction (playing in the game). An understanding of these motivations would make intervention strategies more targeted.2. Coherence of data collectionThe effectiveness of ABC behavioural analysis relies on consistency in data collection. Team members should follow uniform record-keeping norms in the collection of data to ensure their accuracy and reliability. For example, observers should be as specific as possible before recording the causes, acts and consequences, avoiding vague or subjective descriptions. Data collection requires not only the involvement of parents and teachers, but also the assistance of educational support staff to obtain more complete information.3. Guidance for behavioural intervention through ABC Behaviour Analysis ActBehavioural interventions can be more scientific and efficient once sufficient information is accurately gathered through behavioural analysis. Depending on the specific motivation of the act, observers may choose different intervention strategies, such as:1) Alternative behavioural development: If the motive is to gain attention, J can be taught to express the need in a suitable manner, for example by requesting a language rather than shouting.2) Mandate alignment and support: where the behaviour is a manifestation of evasion of the mission, the task can be properly streamlined or provided with mission guidance, such as through visual guidance.3) Sensory irritation: Where behavioural functions are related to sensory needs, alternative sensory activities such as setting up specific play hours for children to meet sensory needs can be provided.IV. ABC ‘ s strengths and challenges(i) Strengths:Systematic data collection: ABC Behaviour Analysis makes the basis for behavioural intervention more scientific and evidence-based by systematically recording pre-acting causes, conduct itself and consequences.2. Quantification of behaviour information: this approach helps observers to quantify the frequency, intensity, etc. of conduct and provides data support for behaviour analysis.3. Individualized interventions: The behaviour and motivation of each autistic child may differ, and the information provided in ABC behaviour analysis can support individualized intervention strategies.(ii) Challenges:1. High time and manpower costs: Direct observation records require a significant investment of time and manpower, especially in time management for observers when behaviour is high or complex.Consistency is difficult: in response to a crisis or emergency, observers may find it difficult to maintain the accuracy and consistency of records and affect the scientific nature of data.3. Data interpretation deviations: Different observers may have different understandings of the causes of behaviour and therefore need to pay special attention to objectivity in data analysis and, if necessary, to the use of multiple observer records to ensure accuracy.Summary
ABC behaviour analysis provides a scientific, systematic way of observing and managing the behaviour of children with autism. By documenting the causes, behaviours and consequences, teachers and parents have a clearer understanding of the circumstances and motivations in which behaviour occurs, leading to targeted intervention strategies. In the management of the behaviour of children with autism, the ABC Behaviour Analysis Act emphasizes individualized interventions and data-driven strategy choices, which are important for enhancing the effectiveness of behaviour interventions and for promoting positive child behaviour. While they face some challenges in their application, they can be effectively overcome through the standardization of data records and the collaboration of observers. This tool provides scientific support for the behaviour management of autistic children and provides important practical guidance to teachers, parents and support staff.
