Antecedent, Behaviour & Consequence (ABC) Observations Information

ANTECEDENT, BEHAVIOUR & CONSEQUENCE (ABC) OBSERVATIONS INFORMATION

Antecedent: What happened immediately before the target behaviour we are tracking.

Behaviour: What is the target behaviour/the behaviour we have concerns about. How long did the behaviour last?

Consequence: What happened immediately after the target behaviour we are tracking. The word consequence does not mean the “punishment” (which can be hard to get used to). For the purpose of ABC observations, it just means what the result of the target behaviour was/what happened immediately after.

How/when to use: This type of observation tool is used when we have a specific behaviour we are consistently seeing and are having a hard time preventing or stopping (examples: hitting, throwing objects, screaming, swearing, running out of the room, withdrawing etc.). This type of observation is also used over a period of time-not just once (at least a week or more) so we can collect enough information to be able to see patterns and trends regarding the target behaviour. After having several observations of the target behaviour recorded, you will begin to look at patterns or trends (examples: time of day, day of the week, location, transitions, a particular educator, a particular child, activity, etc.). Remember to only record facts and what you see and hear. Do not make assumptions about how you think a child feels based on their actions.

Questions to consider when analyzing your observations (to determine reasons, triggers, and potential interventions/strategies):

• Are there any patterns or similarities in the antecedent column?
• Are there any patterns or similarities in the consequence column?
• Based on patterns, when does the behaviour usually happen? (gym, outside, time of day, day of week, transition, part of routine, etc.)
• Based on patterns, why does the behaviour seem to happen? (particular educator, particular child, strategy used, sensory, activity, change in routine etc.)
• Is there something we can change or influence based on patterns?