Behaviour Support Plans for Autistic Children

A comprehensive BSP includes: a summary of the functional behaviour assessment (FBA) findings, operational definitions of target behaviours, identified functions of behaviour (attention, escape, tangible, sensory), preventive/antecedent strategies, replacement skill teaching plans, consequence strategies emphasizing reinforcement, crisis management protocols if needed, and data collection procedures for monitoring progress.

Positive behaviour support (PBS) emphasizes prevention and skill building over punishment. The focus is on understanding why a behaviour occurs and teaching an alternative behaviour that serves the same function. For example, if a child hits to escape demands, the plan would teach functional communication to request a break. Research by Carr et al. (1999) demonstrated that PBS produces durable behaviour change while improving quality of life.

Under OAP core clinical services, the development and implementation of behaviour support plans is a primary service component. The process typically involves: initial BCBA assessment (2-5 hours), functional behaviour assessment (observation and data collection), plan development, caregiver training on implementation, and ongoing monitoring and modification. All of these activities are covered by the childhood budget.

Families should ask each licensed setting for its current behaviour, safety, and restraint policies. Your BCBA should follow the BACB Ethics Code and use evidence-based positive behaviour support. The plan should teach safer replacement skills, not rely on punishment.