ABC - Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

Definition: This approach is used when assessing behavior and behavior disorders. What precedes the inappropriate behavior, what is the behavior and what will the consequence be for the inappropriate behavior. For example, a child begins rocking profusely in his wheelchair once the classmate that was helping him leaves. The antecedent is the fact that the child didn't want the classmate to leave him. The behavior was rocking in the chair. The consequence is something that needs to be put into the place to stop the inappropriate behavior. When special needs committees get together, they'll often refer to the ABC to help pinpoint behaviors to change. It's important to know what the antecedent is.
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