Competing Pathways

Autism, Behavior, Significant Cognitive Disabilities

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The Competing Pathways Model is a structured framework used in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) development to identify functionally equivalent replacement behaviors. 

When to Use 

  • Developing Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to analyze challenging behaviors
  • Creating Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) that include function-based interventions
  • Identifying an alternative behavior that serves the same function as the challenging behavior
  • Understanding the impact of antecedents, setting events, and consequences on student behavior 

How to Use

  • The Competing Pathways Model is a visual tool that maps out behavior components using three key pathways:
    • Target Behavior Path (Red Path) - The challenging behavior and its maintaining function.  
    • Desired Behavior Path (Blue Path) - The behavior we want the student to demonstrate.  
    • Replacement Behavior Path (Green Path) - A new behavior that serves the same function as the target behavior but is more appropriate.  
  • Identify the target behavior (Red Path) 
    • Define the behavior in observable, measurable terms.  
  • Determine the immediate antecedent (Red Path) 
    • Identify what happens just before the behavior occurs.
  • Identify the immediate consequence (Red Path)
    • Determine what happens immediately after the behavior.  
  • Hypothesize the function of behavior (Red Path) 
    • Common functions include -
    • Access to preferred activities or items
    • Access to attention
    • Escape from non-preferred activities or items
    • Sensory stimulation
  • Consider any setting events
    • Identify background factors that make the behavior more likely to occur, such as fatigue, illness, or environmental changes.  
  • Identify the desired behavior (Blue Path) 
    • Determine the long-term goal behavior that would be ideal in that context.  
  • Define the consequence of the desired behavior (Blue Path)
    • What naturally reinforces the desired behavior?  
  • Determine the function of the desired behavior (Blue Path)
    • Does the desired behavior serve the same function as the target behavior?  
  • Select a replacement behavior (Green Path) 
    • The replacement behavior must -
    • Serve the same function as the target behavior
    • Be easier and more efficient to use than the problem behavior
    • Be reinforced consistently to encourage use.  

Tips

  • Use one Competing Pathways Model per target behavior - If a student has multiple challenging behaviors, complete a separate model for each.  
  • If the function is unknown, planning can still occur - Setting even analysis can still provide useful insights.
  • Desired behaviors may or may not serve the same function as the target behavior - Only choose a replacement behavior that directly meets the same need as the problem behavior.  
  • Reinforce the replacement behavior immediately and consistently - If it’s not reinforced, students will revert to the problem behavior.  
  • Consider communication strategies - For nonverbal students, ensure the replacement behavior is accessible, such as an AAC device, picture exchange, or gestures.   

Variations  

  • Basic Competing Pathways Model - Best for simple behavior intervention planning.  
  • Expanded Competing Pathways Model - Includes setting events and multiple intervention strategies.  
  • Team-Based Competing Pathways Analysis - Used in collaborative planning meetings with educators, therapists, and caregivers.