Author: Andre Velho | August 18th, 2021
What is an ABC chart? This is a form you can fill out to describe your child’s behaviour along with what happened before and after. Analysing this information can help you learn why your child engages in challenging behaviours.
Click here, to download this form.
How do I use the ABC chart?
- Collect data on one behaviour at a time.
For example: hitting only, not hitting and spitting.
- Fill out the chart as soon as you have dealt with the behaviour, while your memory is still fresh.
- Think about the setting events – what makes it more likely for your child to use the challenging behaviour? For example:
- Times when your child is tired, hungry or feeling sick.
- Times when certain people are present or absent.
- Specific times of the day, specific places or activities.
- Think about the likely triggers of the behaviour: You will find these in the ‘antecedents’ column. For example:
- Giving your child an instruction like “Put off the TV” or “Come do your homework”.
- Asking your child to wait.
- Saying “no” to your child.
- Think about the likely functions or purposes of the behaviour – you will usually find these in the ‘consequences’ column. Functions may include:
- Being given attention from parents or other family members (positive or negative).
- Getting access to something tangible like a favourite toy, mobile or snacks.
- Escaping or getting out of having to do a task like tidying toys or giving up mobile.
- To fill a sensory need. For example, spinning objects or scratching a rash may make your child feel.
Some behaviours serve more than one purpose. For example: your child may hit and then get a snack (tangible) OR hit and then a caregiver talks with them (attention).
Try to see if there is a pattern to the behaviour. For example: hitting always happens when your child is asked to do something (escape).
Download the above form by clicking here.
Adapted from
The Project ImPACT Manual for Parents by Brooke Ingersoll and Anna Dvortcsak