In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the four functions of behavior help us understand why a behavior happens. Whether you’re an RBT or a parent, learning the functions of behavior makes it easier to respond effectively, reduce challenging behaviors, and teach more appropriate replacement skills.
The four functions of behavior are:
- Attention
- Escape / Avoidance
- Access to Tangibles
- Sensory / Automatic Reinforcement
Below is an easy guide with ABA examples and real-life examples to help both RBTs and parents understand each function clearly.
1. Attention Function of Behavior (ABA Examples for RBTs & Parents)
What it means:
The behavior occurs to gain attention—positive or negative. This includes eye contact, talking, correction, or even a quick glance.
ABA Example (Attention):
A client repeatedly calls your name while you write notes. When you say, “Hold on,” the calling increases because attention was provided.
Real-Life Example:
A child tugs on a parent’s sleeve. Even when the parent says “Stop,” the child continues because the correction is still attention.
How RBTs and parents can respond:
- Give attention for appropriate behaviors
- Use differential reinforcement (praise what you want)
- Do not react immediately to attention-seeking behaviors
2. Escape / Avoidance Function of Behavior
What it means:
The child uses behavior to get out of a demand, chore, or task.
ABA Example (Escape):
A client flops to the floor when asked to start a worksheet. If the RBT delays the task or attempts to soothe them first, the flop becomes an effective way to escape work.
Real-Life Example:
A child hides in their room when told it’s time to clean up toys. If the parent ends up cleaning most of the toys for them, hiding “works.”
How to respond:
- Use Premack Principle (“First work, then tablet”)
- Break tasks into small steps
- Follow through calmly
- Reinforce attempts
3. Access to Tangibles Function of Behavior
What it means:
The behavior occurs to obtain an item, snack, activity, or preferred person.
ABA Example (Tangibles):
A client screams when the tablet is taken away. If the tablet is returned to calm them down, screaming becomes a learned way to get it back.
Real-Life Example:
A child cries loudly in the store when they want a toy. If the parent gives in “just this once,” the crying becomes a reliable strategy for future shopping trips.
How to respond:
- Teach functional communication (“Can I have the tablet?”)
- Use timers and visual schedules
- Provide items only for appropriate behaviors
4. Sensory / Automatic Function of Behavior
What it means:
The behavior is internally reinforcing—no item or person is needed.
ABA Example (Automatic):
A client flaps their hands or rocks back and forth even when no one is around. These behaviors provide sensory stimulation or comfort.
Real-Life Example:
A child hums, spins, or taps their fingers repeatedly because it helps them feel calm or entertained—not because anyone reacts to it.
How to respond:
- Provide acceptable sensory alternatives
- Teach replacement behaviors
- Prioritize safety and appropriateness
Why the Four Functions of Behavior Matter for RBTs and Parents
Understanding the four functions of behavior in ABA helps you:
- Prevent reinforcing challenging behavior
- Teach skill-based replacement behaviors
- Improve communication
- Create consistent responses across home and ABA sessions
- Follow the BIP correctly
- Reduce stress for both child and adults
Behavior isn’t “bad.” It’s communication.
FAQ: Four Functions of Behavior (For Parents & RBTs)
What are the four functions of behavior in ABA?
Attention, Escape, Access to Tangibles, and Sensory/Automatic reinforcement.
Which function of behavior is most common?
Attention and escape are the most common in both ABA settings and home environments.
How do you identify the function of a behavior?
By observing what happens before (antecedent) and after (consequence) the behavior.
Can a behavior have more than one function?
Yes, some behaviors serve multiple functions depending on the situation.
Why should parents learn the four functions of behavior?
It helps parents understand behavior as communication and respond consistently with ABA strategies.