Intervention Plan
Case Study: Develop an Intervention Plan Pg. 210
Your job for this case study is to develop an intervention plan based on the function of behavior.
The case study will provide a brief description of the student, the student’s classroom setting, and
an ABC recording chart presenting the antecedents and setting events (context) related to the
behavior and the consequences that follow it. The case study also identifies the function of
challenging behavior and provides a rationale for selecting that function.
After reading the case study, you will have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive
intervention plan to decrease challenging behavior and increase appropriate behavior that will
replace the challenging behavior.
In developing your intervention plans, you should consider changing the antecedents and setting
events, as well as the consequences.
After reviewing the case study:
1. In designing an intervention plan to address Matt’s behavior, you should match the function of
his behavior. In other words, the intervention should, in part at least, allow Matt to achieve the
same function as he currently achieves through challenging behavior. Your intervention plan also
should address what will happen if/when challenging behavior does occur.
2. Finally, in addition to addressing appropriate replacement behaviors and the supports for those
behaviors, you also should think about how to change antecedent conditions so you can prevent
Matt from engaging in challenging behavior. Reread the goals of intervention when the function
of challenging behavior is sensory stimulation/sensory regulation as you develop an intervention
plan to address Matt’s behavior
Sample Solution
Case Study: Intervention Plan for Matt
Brief Description of Matt
Matt is a 7-year-old student in the second grade. He is a bright and inquisitive child who is eager to learn. However, Matt also has a history of challenging behavior, including tantrums, yelling, and hitting. These behaviors typically occur when Matt is frustrated or overwhelmed.
Classroom Setting
Matt's classroom is a well-organized environment with a variety of learning activities. The teacher has a positive and supportive teaching style and is skilled at managing challenging behavior.
ABC Recording Chart
Full Answer Section
| Antecedent | Behavior | Consequence |
| Matt is asked to do a difficult task | Matt yells and throws a tantrum | Teacher takes Matt to the principal's office |
| Matt is asked to sit quietly during circle time | Matt fidgets and disrupts the class | Teacher assigns Matt to sit next to the teacher |
| Matt is unable to complete a task | Matt starts to cry and hits himself | Teacher gives Matt a break to calm down |
- Decrease the frequency and intensity of Matt's challenging behavior
- Increase the frequency and duration of Matt's appropriate behavior
- Provide Matt with opportunities to meet his sensory needs in a socially acceptable way
- Provide Matt with frequent breaks throughout the day to allow him to move and engage in sensory activities
- Use visual schedules and timers to help Matt anticipate transitions and reduce anxiety
- Provide Matt with fidget toys to keep his hands busy during quiet times
- Teach Matt relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
- Provide Matt with verbal praise and social reinforcement when he engages in appropriate behavior
- Implement a token system in which Matt earns tokens for appropriate behavior and can exchange those tokens for rewards
- Give Matt access to preferred activities when he has demonstrated appropriate behavior for a set period of time
- Redirect Matt to a quiet area when he starts to exhibit challenging behavior
- Provide Matt with a brief time-out if he continues to engage in challenging behavior
- Involve Matt in the development of a behavior contract that outlines expectations and consequences