Elopement/Running Away: How to Pick a Strategy
It is important to note that in order to pick an appropriate strategy to address elopement/running, the function of the bolting behavior must be understood. This is the why of the behavior, and explains why the child is engaging in this behavior.
Teachers can collect observational data on the student’s behavior in order to understand why the behavior is taking place. This can help the teacher chose a strategy to meet the student’s need. When faced with extremely challenging behavior that requires more support, teachers may seek the expertise of a psychologist and/or a behaviorist to conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment.
When gathering data to inform your intervention choice or conducting an FBA, the below patterns may be seen when analyzing the Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence Chart (ABC). Although superficially, elopement may seem to be an avoidant behavior, as a child may be running away from something aversive, it must also be considered that they are attempting to gain something else, such as access to an item, or teacher/staff attention.
Teachers can collect observational data on the student’s behavior in order to understand why the behavior is taking place. This can help the teacher chose a strategy to meet the student’s need. When faced with extremely challenging behavior that requires more support, teachers may seek the expertise of a psychologist and/or a behaviorist to conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment.
When gathering data to inform your intervention choice or conducting an FBA, the below patterns may be seen when analyzing the Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence Chart (ABC). Although superficially, elopement may seem to be an avoidant behavior, as a child may be running away from something aversive, it must also be considered that they are attempting to gain something else, such as access to an item, or teacher/staff attention.
EscapeStudent bolts when frustrated with an assignment, peer, or other school-related issue. The behavior is reinforced through the elopement itself, as the child removes him/herself from the situation that is causing stress or difficulty.
|
Gain AccessStudent elopes in search of something preferred, like an item, or a person. The behavior may be reinforced, even if the student gets access to the item/person for a brief period of time.
|
AttentionStudent may bolt when he/she is left to work independently, and without immediate access to teacher support. Student gains access to this support through elopement, which reinforces the behavior.
|
