What are Behavior Support Tools?

Behavior Support Tools is a comprehensive suite for understanding and addressing challenging behaviors. Create Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), learn about Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), track behavior patterns, and get AI-powered recommendations for positive interventions that actually work.

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Understanding Behavior

All behavior serves a function. Children aren't "being bad" - they're communicating needs they can't express otherwise. Common functions of behavior include:

Escape/Avoidance: Getting away from something unpleasant (difficult work, overwhelming sensory input)
Attention: Getting attention from adults or peers (even negative attention counts)
Tangible: Getting access to preferred items or activities
Sensory: Getting sensory input or avoiding sensory overload

Understanding WHY behavior happens is the key to changing it. That's what FBAs and BIPs are designed to address.

      Under IDEA: Schools must conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) when behavior impedes learning. If your child has behavior challenges, you can request these at any time.
    

Behavior Support Tools Features

BIP Generator: Create comprehensive Behavior Intervention Plans with AI assistance
FBA Guide: Understand what an FBA should include and how to request one
ABC Tracker: Log Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence data to identify patterns
Intervention Library: Browse evidence-based interventions by behavior type
Replacement Behaviors: Get suggestions for appropriate alternative behaviors
De-escalation Strategies: Crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques
Behavior Goal Writer: Create measurable behavior goals for IEPs
Progress Tracking: Monitor behavior goal progress over time
Crisis Plan Template: Create emergency intervention plans

What is an FBA?

A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a process to determine WHY challenging behavior occurs. A good FBA includes:

Description of the target behavior in observable, measurable terms
Data collection on when, where, and how often behavior occurs
Analysis of antecedents (what happens before behavior)
Analysis of consequences (what happens after behavior)
Hypothesis about the function of behavior
Recommendations for intervention

What is a BIP?

A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a written plan based on the FBA that addresses challenging behavior. A good BIP includes:

Prevention Strategies: How to prevent behavior from occurring (antecedent modifications)
Replacement Behaviors: What the child should do instead
Teaching Strategies: How replacement behaviors will be taught
Response Strategies: How staff will respond when behavior occurs
Reinforcement: How positive behavior will be encouraged
Crisis Plan: What to do if behavior escalates to dangerous levels
Data Collection: How progress will be monitored

ABC Tracking

ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) data is essential for understanding behavior patterns:

Antecedent: What happened right before the behavior? (demand, transition, peer interaction)
Behavior: What exactly did the child do? (observable, measurable)
Consequence: What happened right after? (attention, escape, access to item)

Our ABC Tracker helps you log this data easily and identify patterns over time.

Positive Behavior Support Strategies

Evidence-based strategies that actually work:

Environmental Modifications: Change the environment to prevent triggers
Visual Supports: Schedules, social stories, visual timers
Choice Making: Give controlled choices to increase engagement
First-Then Boards: Visual representation of expectations and rewards
Token Economies: Positive reinforcement systems
Self-Monitoring: Teaching self-awareness and self-regulation
Social Skills Training: Teaching appropriate social behaviors
Sensory Supports: Sensory breaks, fidgets, movement opportunities

When to Request an FBA/BIP

Request a Functional Behavior Assessment if:

Your child's behavior is interfering with their learning or others' learning
Your child is being suspended or removed from class for behavior
Current behavior interventions aren't working
Your child is in danger of a change in placement due to behavior
Behavior seems to be getting worse over time
You want to understand why certain behaviors are happening

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the school required to do an FBA?

Yes, in many circumstances. Under IDEA, an FBA is required when behavior impedes learning and when discipline results in a change of placement (more than 10 days suspension). You can also request one at any time.

Who should conduct the FBA?

An FBA should be conducted by a qualified professional, typically a school psychologist or behavior specialist. If the school's FBA seems inadequate, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense.

What if the BIP isn't working?

Request an IEP meeting to review and revise the BIP. If behavior isn't improving, the plan may need modification, or the FBA hypothesis may be incorrect.

Can I request specific interventions?

Yes. You can suggest interventions based on research or what works at home. The IEP team should consider parent input when developing the BIP.

Create Effective Behavior Plans

Understand behavior, implement positive supports, and help your child succeed.

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