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1 Prioritizing Behavior Morgan E. Garrett Capella University PSY7712 Behavior Analytic Assessments Dr. Amanda Kazee October 22, 2023

Prioritizing Behavior This paper will identify and describe three target behaviors selected for intervention. It will then provide rationale for why the behaviors were selected, why they received their specific rating and why each behavior was prioritized. This paper will then provide operational definitions for the chosen behaviors. Behavior is defined by Miltenberger, (2016) as what a person does or says. Behavior is continuous and is constantly changing over time. A behavior must influence the observer or the environment which then results in an effect on the observer in order for the behavior to be observable (Cooper et al., 2020). Behavior refers to a larger class of responses with similar characteristics. This includes its typography, response class, and stimulus class. A target behavior is any defined, observable, and measurable behavior which is the focus of analysis and intervention. It is a behavior that is selected or targeted for change. Selection of Target Behaviors Behavior analysts working with individuals with autism or other diagnosed developmental disabilities often see behaviors arise that show a need for intervention and treatment. Before implementing interventions, it is important to conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), to understand the function of the behavior and what reinforces it. A behavior must be clearly defined, objective and complete, before a behavior can be subjected to intervention (Cooper et al., 2020). Before three target behaviors were chosen and prioritized, consent was obtained from the care givers to provide assessment and interventions with the learner. By obtaining consent, compassionate care, professionality, and confidentiality were practiced and implemented with the learner and other parties included. (Capella University, 2021). 2

The learner observed was a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She regularly attends ABA therapy in a clinic setting and attends school in the afternoons. She is reported to be on a 1 st grade level for most academic subjects but displays challenging behaviors during academic work, mealtime, and when denied access. The participant communicates with some verbal language and basic sign language. As indicated in the chart below the three behaviors prioritized and chosen for intervention are 1. Aggression, 2. Property Destruction, and 3. Food destruction. The behaviors are ranked in order from most severe to moderately severe. Rationale for Selection Worksheet for Prioritization Client’s/Student’s name: __Sally Johnson____ Date: _10/15/2023______ Person completing worksheet: ___Morgan E. Garrett_____ Rater’s relationship to client/student: __Clients RBT_____ Directions: Use the key below to rank each potential target behavior by the extent to which it meets or fulfills each prioritization criteria. Add each team member’s ranking of each potential target behavior. The behaviors with the highest total scores would presumably be the highest priority for intervention. Other criteria relevant to a particular program or individual’s situation can be added, and the criteria can be differentially weighted. Key: 0 = No or Never; 1= Rarely; 2 = Maybe or Sometimes; 3 = Probably or Usually; 4 = Yes or Always Selected Target Behavior Key: AG= Aggression PD= Property destruction FD= Food destruction 3

Behavior 1: AG Behavior 2: PD Behavior 3: FD Does this behavior pose danger to the person or to others? 4 3 2 How many opportunities will the person have to use this new skill in the natural environment? Or How often does the problem behavior occur? 4 4 4 How long-standing is the problem or skill deficit? 4 4 3 Will changing this behavior produce a higher rate of reinforcement for the person? 4 4 3 What is the relative importance of this target behavior to future skill development and independent functioning? 4 4 4 Will changing this behavior reduce negative or unwanted attention from others? 4 4 4 Will changing this behavior produce reinforcement for significant others? 4 4 4 How likely is success in changing this behavior? 4 4 4 How much will it cost to change this behavior? UNK UNK UNK Totals 32 31 28 Justification Aggressive behaviors were ranked as the top priority behavior for intervention. Aggressive behaviors scored a 4 on the priority scale for each question and had the highest total score overall (32). Aggressive behaviors are a threat to the safety of the individual and others around them. Since aggression ranked higher than all other behaviors and can pose a threat or cause serious harm it is given the priority for intervention (Cooper et al., 2020). Property destruction was ranked second on the priority 4

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