What’s a Behavioral Support Plan (BSP)?
A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) is a structured and individualized document developed to address challenging behaviors exhibited by individuals, particularly those with disabilities or special needs. BSPs are created based on the findings of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and are designed to help individuals learn new, more adaptive behaviors while reducing or eliminating problem behaviors.
Key components of a Behavior Support Plan include:
1. Definition of Target Behaviors:
A BSP begins by clearly defining the target behaviors that need to be addressed. These behaviors are identified through the FBA process and are described in observable and measurable terms. Examples of target behaviors may include aggression, noncompliance, self-injury, property destruction, or elopement.
2. Identified Function(s) of Behavior:
The BSP outlines the identified function(s) of the target behaviors, which are the underlying reasons why the behaviors occur. Common functions of behavior include seeking attention, escaping or avoiding demands, gaining access to preferred items or activities, or seeking sensory stimulation. Understanding the function of behavior is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies.
3. Positive Replacement Behaviors:
A key aspect of a Behavior Support Plan is the identification of positive replacement behaviors that can serve the same function as the problem behaviors but in a more adaptive and socially acceptable way. These replacement behaviors are taught and reinforced to help the individual achieve their goals without resorting to problem behaviors.
4. Antecedent Strategies:
BSPs include antecedent strategies that focus on modifying the environment or changing the conditions that occur before the problem behavior. Antecedent interventions aim to prevent the occurrence of problem behaviors by addressing triggers and setting the individual up for success.
5. Teaching Strategies:
Behavior Support Plans outline specific teaching strategies to help individuals learn and practice new skills and behaviors. These strategies may include direct instruction, modeling, prompting, shaping, and reinforcement to support the development of positive behaviors and increase the individual's success in various settings.
6. Consequence Strategies:
Consequence strategies in a BSP detail how to respond to target behaviors, both desired and undesired, once they occur. Consequences should be consistent, predictable, and directly related to the behavior. Positive reinforcement is often used to encourage and maintain positive behaviors, while consequences for problem behaviors are designed to be non-reinforcing and help extinguish those behaviors.
7. Data Collection and Monitoring:
Behavior Support Plans include procedures for data collection to track the individual's progress and the effectiveness of the interventions implemented. Data collection helps to evaluate the impact of the BSP, make informed decisions about adjustments to the plan, and ensure that the individual is making progress towards their behavior goals.
A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) is a comprehensive and individualized document designed to address challenging behaviors by identifying the function of behavior, teaching positive replacement behaviors, implementing strategies to prevent and respond to behaviors, and monitoring progress over time. BSPs are essential tools in supporting individuals with disabilities or special needs in developing adaptive behaviors and achieving success in various environments.
