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Antecedent Based Interventions

Behavioural Interventions are highly useful for disability groups and probably one of the less well-propagated interventions in the field of psychology locally. They involve the processes of systematically assessing the functions of various behaviours and using a variety of strategies based on behavioural principles to produce specific improvements in behaviour. They are useful in different types of therapeutic interventions, and especially useful for working with individuals who are unable to express themselves in words.

The second competency unit that will help you succeed in doing behavioural interventions is Antecedent-based intervention (ABI).

ABI is an evidence-based practice that used to address challenging behaviors by modifying the circumstances that trigger the challenging behaviour(s). In other words, the goal of ABI is to identify factors that are reinforcing the behavior and modify the environment/activity so that the factors no longer elicit the behavior. ABI can potentially decrease an identified interfering bahviour and increase engagement by modifying the environment. Psychologists are expected to:

• Identify antecedent stimulus of behaviour and setting events

• Create action plans to include selected objectives, strategies and materials for intervention

• Implement ABI strategies that address the function of problem behaviours

• Identify obstacles to implementation and review the effectiveness of application of ABI

Here are some ideas and resources to spark your learning and thinking: 

brief introduction

Autism Q & A: Antecedent Based Intervention

This article provides a brief introduction to ABIs and examples of ABIs.

AFIRM module: Antecedent-based intervention

This module from AFIRM guides learners to gain basic knowledge about antecedent-based intervention (ABI) and apply ABI in activity based scenarios that promote real-world application. You need to sign up an free account in order to access to the module.

Autism Internet Modules - Antecedent-Based Interventions (ABI)

This website provides background and guidelines on designing classroom management strategies in the domain of antecedent-based intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). You need to create an account to access to the module.

ABI lecture

Using Antecedent Based Interventions in both the Classroom and Home – Kim Howard, University of Louisville

This video presents the different types of ABIs and how they can be used to support children with autism in a variety of settings.

Or explore other competency units that will help you succeed in doing behavioural interventions:

• a) Behavioural Assessments

• c) Replacement Behaviours

• d) Promoting Behaviours

• e) Generalisation and Maintenance