The Role of Attention in Maintaining Tantrums

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 32 views

What is Functional Behavior Assessment?

Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a process used to identify the underlying causes of problem behaviors in individuals, particularly those with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental disorders. The goal of FBA is to understand the function of the behavior, which is the reason it occurs, and to develop strategies to address the underlying causes. In the case of tantrums, FBA can help identify the factors that maintain the behavior, such as attention, escape, or tangible items.

The Role of Attention in Maintaining Tantrums

In the scenario described, the results of the FBA show that tantrums are maintained by attention. This means that the individual engages in tantrum behavior because it results in attention from others. Attention can take many forms, including verbal praise, physical touch, or simply being present with the individual.

Withholding Attention: A Key Strategy

Withholding attention is a strategy used to reduce problem behaviors by removing the attention that maintains them. In the context of tantrums, withholding attention means not responding to the behavior in a way that reinforces it. This can be a challenging strategy to implement, as it requires a high level of consistency and patience from caregivers.

Example of Withholding Attention

The question asks for an example of withholding attention. Let's examine the options provided:

A. Tell the client the tantrum is not going to get the client anything.

This option is an example of withholding attention. By telling the individual that the tantrum will not result in attention or rewards, caregivers are removing the reinforcement that maintains the behavior. This approach can be effective in reducing tantrums, as it helps the individual understand that the behavior is not effective in achieving its goal.

B. Follow and observe

This option is not an example of withholding attention. Following and observing the individual may provide valuable information about the behavior, but it does not remove the attention that maintains the tantrum. In fact, following and observing may even provide attention to the individual, which could inadvertently reinforce the behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, withholding attention is a key strategy in reducing problem behaviors, such as tantrums, that are maintained by attention. By removing the reinforcement that maintains the behavior, caregivers can help the individual understand that the behavior is not effective in achieving its goal. The example of telling the client that the tantrum is not going to get the client anything is a good illustration of withholding attention.

Additional Strategies for Reducing Tantrums

While withholding attention is an effective strategy for reducing tantrums, it is often used in conjunction with other strategies. Some additional strategies that may be helpful include:

Providing alternative behaviors: Encourage the individual to engage in alternative behaviors that are more effective in achieving their goals.
Using positive reinforcement: Reward the individual for engaging in desired behaviors, such as using words to communicate needs.
Teaching coping skills: Help the individual develop coping skills, such as deep breathing or counting, to manage frustration and anxiety.
Providing a safe and supportive environment: Create a safe and supportive environment that reduces the likelihood of tantrums.

Implementing Withholding Attention in Practice

Implementing withholding attention in practice requires a high level of consistency and patience from caregivers. Here are some tips for implementing this strategy effectively:

Develop a clear plan: Develop a clear plan for withholding attention, including specific strategies and procedures for implementing the plan.
Communicate with the individual: Communicate with the individual about the plan and the reasons for withholding attention.
Be consistent: Be consistent in implementing the plan, even in the face of challenging behavior.
Provide support: Provide support to the individual, including positive reinforcement and alternative behaviors, to help them manage frustration and anxiety.

Conclusion

Q: What is the goal of functional behavior assessment?

A: The goal of functional behavior assessment (FBA) is to identify the underlying causes of problem behaviors in individuals, particularly those with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental disorders. The goal is to understand the function of the behavior, which is the reason it occurs, and to develop strategies to address the underlying causes.

Q: What is the difference between a functional behavior assessment and a behavioral assessment?

A: A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a process used to identify the underlying causes of problem behaviors, while a behavioral assessment is a process used to identify the frequency, duration, and intensity of problem behaviors. A FBA is a more comprehensive assessment that takes into account the individual's environment, behavior, and needs.

Q: What is the role of attention in maintaining problem behaviors?

A: Attention is a common factor that maintains problem behaviors, such as tantrums, in individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental disorders. When an individual engages in problem behavior, they often receive attention from others, which can reinforce the behavior.

Q: What is withholding attention?

A: Withholding attention is a strategy used to reduce problem behaviors by removing the attention that maintains them. This can be a challenging strategy to implement, as it requires a high level of consistency and patience from caregivers.

Q: How do I implement withholding attention in practice?

A: Implementing withholding attention in practice requires a high level of consistency and patience from caregivers. Here are some tips for implementing this strategy effectively:

Develop a clear plan for withholding attention, including specific strategies and procedures for implementing the plan.
Communicate with the individual about the plan and the reasons for withholding attention.
Be consistent in implementing the plan, even in the face of challenging behavior.
Provide support to the individual, including positive reinforcement and alternative behaviors, to help them manage frustration and anxiety.

Q: What are some additional strategies for reducing problem behaviors?

A: Some additional strategies that may be helpful in reducing problem behaviors include:

Providing alternative behaviors: Encourage the individual to engage in alternative behaviors that are more effective in achieving their goals.
Using positive reinforcement: Reward the individual for engaging in desired behaviors, such as using words to communicate needs.
Teaching coping skills: Help the individual develop coping skills, such as deep breathing or counting, to manage frustration and anxiety.
Providing a safe and supportive environment: Create a safe and supportive environment that reduces the likelihood of problem behaviors.

Q: How do I know if withholding attention is effective?

A: To determine if withholding attention is effective, caregivers should monitor the individual's behavior and adjust the plan as needed. Some indicators of effectiveness may include:

A decrease in the frequency and severity of problem behaviors.
An increase in the use of alternative behaviors.
Improved communication and social skills.
Reduced frustration and anxiety.

Q: What are some common challenges in implementing withholding attention?

A: Some common challenges in implementing withholding attention include:

Consistency: Caregivers may struggle to maintain consistency in implementing the plan, particularly in the face of challenging behavior.
Communication: Caregivers may struggle to communicate effectively with the individual about the plan and the reasons for withholding attention.
Support: Caregivers may struggle to provide adequate support to the individual, including positive reinforcement and alternative behaviors.

Q: How can I overcome these challenges?

A: To overcome these challenges, caregivers should:

Develop a clear plan for withholding attention, including specific strategies and procedures for implementing the plan.
Communicate effectively with the individual about the plan and the reasons for withholding attention.
Provide adequate support to the individual, including positive reinforcement and alternative behaviors.
Seek additional training and support as needed to ensure consistency and effectiveness in implementing the plan.