Brief-write up

‍Behaviour refers to the range of actions that an individual engages in to interact with or respond to the environment. Every behaviour that is repeated serves some functions, identifying the functions of behaviour will determine the underlying causes or the reasons for the behaviour. This is also true for challenging behaviours, research states that challenging behaviours occur because the individual is unable to communicate his/her needs, wants and requirements in an appropriate manner leading to a tantrum, outburst or meltdown.

Research states that there are four major functions of every behaviour - attention, avoidance, sensory stimulation and/or access to tangibles. Understanding what factors motivate the behaviour and its underlying functions will help educators and caregivers to address and deal with challenging behaviours in an effective manner.

‍Why use this checklist?

Eblity’s Motivational Assessment Scale is adapted from Motivational Assessment Scale (MAS) - II by Mark Durand (1997).  According to the MAS - II, there are 5 functions of behaviours - attention, avoidance of attention or avoidance of demands, sensory stimulation and access to tangibles.
By using this checklist both educators and caregivers will be able to accurately determine the functions of challenging behaviours in their child/children and able to better understand the underlying causes or reason for the behaviour.

‍Who can use this checklist?

‍Parents, Caregivers Professionals, and Educators who are wanting to determine the functions of challenging behaviours in children with special needs.

Point to Note/Disclaimer

‍This checklist is an indication of the function of your child’s challenging behaviour. Accurate recording of observation is needed from the educators, caregivers and professionals to determine the actual functions of the behaviour.