ABSTRACT
Those who work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are aware that challenging behaviors are not uncommon. Noncompliance, inappropriate comments, stereotypy, elopement, physical aggression, and self-injury are examples of behaviors that may be seen in some individuals with ASD. While these behaviors can be a problem for the individual, their families, and those who work with them, they can be addressed. Knowing why a person engages in a problem behavior is an important first step. Developing behavior intervention plans that include function-based strategies to teach new skills and ethically decrease the problem behavior is step two. Practitioners who work with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors must treat behavioral intervention as they would academic intervention, by implementing appropriate assessments, using evidence-based instructional strategies, considering cultural and linguistic differences, and monitoring progress over time. This chapter provides a background on behavioral assessment and behavior intervention planning for students with ASD in both general and special education classrooms.
