Competing Pathways

When to use: 

To determine a functionally equivalent replacement behavior. Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan development.

How to use: 

  • Identify the target behavior (red path on template):
  • Identify the immediate antecedent for the target behavior (red path) Identify the immediate consequence of the target behavior (red path) 
  • Identify the hypothesized function of the target behavior (red path) 
  • Identify any setting event relevant to the occurrence of the target behavior 
  • Identify the desired behavior (blue path on template) 
  • Identify the desired behavior’s consequence (blue path) 
  • Identify the desired behavior’s hypothesized function (blue path) 
  • Identify a replacement behavior the will produce the same function as the target behavior (green path on template) 

Tips: 

  • When a replacement behavior provides the same function, is as efficient as the target behavior, and is reinforced, the likelihood of that person using the replacement behavior increases. 
  • If a student has more than one target behavior, complete a Competing Pathways for each. 
  • Planning can still occur if you do not know the setting events. 
  • A desired behavior may produce the same hypothesized function as the target behavior. This behavior may be considered as a replacement behavior.
  • A desired behavior may not produce the same function as the target behavior. Only use a replacement behavior that produces the same function as the target behavior. 
  • Don’t forget to teach the student how to use the replacement behavior and reinforce its use!