ABC Chart
ABC Chart
An ABC chart is an observational tool that allows us to record information about a particular
behaviour. The aim of using an ABC chart is to better understand what the behaviour is
communicating. The A refers to the antecedent or the event that occurred before the behaviour
was exhibited. This can include what the person was doing, who was there, where they were, what
sights / sounds / smells / temperatures / number of people that were in the environment. B refers
to an objective and clear description of the behaviour that occurred e.g. X threw item on the floor.
C refers to what occurred after the behaviour or the consequence of the behaviour e.g. children
moved away from X, noise levels in the room decreased. It is important to decide on one or two
target behaviours to record initially. Place the ABC chart in an accessible place to make it easier to
use after the target behaviour has been exhibited.
Having recorded the behaviour on numerous occasions check for triggers or situations where the
behaviour is most likely to occur:
Having identified the triggers for the behaviour and the consequences that may be maintaining
the behaviour you are now ready to develop a plan.
1. What alternative or more appropriate skill can you teach the child in order to eliminate their
need to engage in this behaviour?
2. What changes can you make to the environment or the childs schedule in order to decrease
their exposure to triggers?
3. How have you addressed the need that the child was trying to communicate?
4. Is there any need for a reward / incentive scheme in the short-term?
5. Have you communicated your plan to everyone who will be caring for the child?
Activity
What activity was
going on when the
behavior occurred
Antecedent
What happened right before the
behavior that may have triggered the
behavior
Behavior
What the behavior looked like
Consequence
What happened after the behavior, or
as a result of the behavior