Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) Using ABA

Introduction

Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) have become essential tools in addressing challenging behaviors across various settings, including schools, therapy centers, and homes. According to recent data, approximately 1 in 6 children aged 3-17 years in the United States has been diagnosed with a developmental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, highlighting the critical need for effective intervention strategies. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with its evidence-based approach and decades of research validation, provides the foundation for developing and implementing successful BIPs. This comprehensive guide explores how ABA principles can transform the effectiveness of BIPs, helping educators, therapists, and parents create meaningful behavior change and improve quality of life for individuals with behavioral challenges.

What is a Behavior Intervention Plan?

A Behavior Intervention Plan is a formalized, structured plan designed to address problem behaviors that interfere with learning, development, or social functioning. BIPs are typically developed following a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and outline specific strategies to reduce challenging behaviors while teaching appropriate replacement behaviors.

Recent statistics indicate that schools implementing function-based BIPs report a 70-80% reduction in problematic behaviors compared to non-function-based interventions. This significant improvement demonstrates the importance of understanding the “why” behind behaviors before attempting to change them.

Key Components of an Effective BIP

An effective Behavior Intervention Plan typically includes:

1. Operational definition of target behavior(s) – Clear, measurable descriptions of the behaviors to be addressed
2. Summary of FBA findings – Including identified triggers and the function(s) the behavior serves
3. Prevention strategies – Environmental modifications and antecedent interventions
4. Teaching strategies – Replacement behaviors and skill development plans
5. Reinforcement procedures – Specific consequences designed to increase desired behaviors
6. Response strategies – How to react when problem behaviors occur
7. Data collection methods – How progress will be monitored and evaluated
8. Crisis plan (when applicable) – Procedures for emergency situations

The ABA Foundation: Why It Matters for BIPs

Applied Behavior Analysis is the scientific approach to understanding the relationship between behavior and the environment. Research published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis indicates that ABA-based interventions demonstrate effectiveness rates of 90% or higher when properly implemented, making it the gold standard for behavior change programs.

Core ABA Principles That Strengthen BIPs

1. Behavior is Functional

One of the fundamental principles of ABA is that behavior serves a purpose. According to a comprehensive meta-analysis of over 100 studies on functional behavior assessment, behaviors typically serve one or more of these functions:

• Attention – To gain social attention or a reaction
• Escape/avoidance – To avoid or escape demanding or unpleasant situations
• Access to tangibles – To obtain preferred items or activities
• Sensory stimulation – To meet sensory needs or self-stimulation

Understanding these functions is crucial for BIP development. A study by Iwata et al. found that interventions matched to behavioral function were twice as effective as those that weren’t function-based.

2. Focus on Observable and Measurable Behaviors

ABA emphasizes defining behaviors in observable, measurable terms. Rather than describing a child as “disruptive,” an ABA-informed BIP would specify “calls out without raising hand an average of 15 times per hour” or “leaves seat without permission 8 times per 30-minute period.”

This precision allows for:

• Clear communication among team members
• Accurate baseline measurement
• Objective evaluation of intervention effectiveness

3. Antecedent Interventions

ABA recognizes the importance of what happens before behaviors occur. Research indicates that proactive antecedent interventions can reduce problem behaviors by up to 65% before they even start. Effective BIPs incorporate strategies such as:

• Environmental modifications (seating arrangements, sensory accommodations)
• Visual supports and schedules
• Transition warnings
• Task modifications
• Preference incorporation

4. Reinforcement Strategies

Perhaps the most powerful ABA principle is the systematic use of reinforcement to increase desired behaviors. A meta-analysis of reinforcement-based interventions found that positive reinforcement strategies led to an average 78% improvement in target behaviors across various populations and settings.

Effective BIPs carefully design reinforcement systems that:

• Match individual preferences and motivations
• Provide immediate feedback
• Use appropriate schedules of reinforcement
• Gradually shift from artificial to natural reinforcers

5. Data-Based Decision Making

ABA’s emphasis on continuous data collection transforms BIPs from static documents to dynamic, evolving intervention systems. Research shows that interventions using regular data analysis and modification are 60% more effective than those that don’t adjust based on performance data.

Step-by-Step: Creating an ABA-Informed BIP

Step 1: Conducting a Comprehensive Functional Behavior Assessment

Before developing a BIP, a thorough FBA must be completed. Studies indicate that BIPs based on comprehensive FBAs are 2-3 times more effective than those developed without functional analysis.

A complete FBA typically includes:

• Interviews with caregivers, teachers, and when possible, the individual
• Direct observation across multiple settings and times
• Data collection on frequency, duration, and intensity of behaviors
• Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) analysis to identify patterns
• Possible functional analysis to systematically test hypotheses about behavior function

Step 2: Defining Behaviors and Setting Goals

An ABA-informed BIP clearly defines:

1. Target behaviors for reduction – Operationally defined problem behaviors
2. Replacement behaviors – Appropriate alternatives that serve the same function
3. Skill development goals – Additional skills needed for long-term success
4. Measurable objectives – Specific goals with criteria for success

For example, rather than stating “Johnny will behave better in class,” an effective BIP might specify: “Johnny will reduce classroom disruptions (calling out without raising hand) from a current average of 15 times per hour to fewer than 3 times per hour by using his communication card to request teacher attention appropriately.”

Step 3: Developing Prevention Strategies

Based on FBA findings, the BIP outlines specific antecedent interventions. Research from the National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports shows that effective prevention strategies can reduce problem behaviors by 60-80% in many cases.

Common prevention strategies include:

• Environmental modifications – Reducing noise, adjusting lighting, or rearranging seating
• Schedule adjustments – Building in breaks or alternating demanding tasks with preferred activities
• Visual supports – Providing visual schedules, choice boards, or first-then boards
• Priming – Preparing the individual for upcoming activities or transitions
• Pre-correction – Reminding about expectations before challenging situations

Step 4: Teaching Replacement Behaviors and Skills

According to a landmark study by Carr and Durand, teaching functionally equivalent replacement behaviors can reduce problem behaviors by up to 90%. The BIP should detail:

• Specific replacement behaviors that serve the same function as problem behaviors
• Teaching procedures (modeling, prompting, shaping, etc.)
• Practice opportunities across different settings and with different people
• Plan for fading prompts and promoting independence

For example, if a student engages in disruptive behavior to escape difficult tasks, the BIP might include teaching them to:

• Request a break using a break card
• Ask for help when frustrated
• Use self-regulation strategies when feeling overwhelmed

Step 5: Establishing Reinforcement Systems

The BIP should clearly outline how appropriate behaviors will be reinforced. Research on reinforcement schedules indicates that initially, continuous reinforcement leads to the fastest acquisition of new behaviors, while intermittent reinforcement promotes better maintenance over time.

An effective reinforcement plan includes:

• Identified reinforcers based on preference assessments
• Schedules of reinforcement appropriate to the individual and setting
• Criteria for earning reinforcement
• Procedures for delivery
• Plan for systematically fading artificial reinforcers

Step 6: Developing Response Strategies

Despite prevention efforts, problem behaviors may still occur. The BIP must outline consistent responses that:

• Ensure safety
• Minimize reinforcement of problem behaviors
• Redirect to replacement behaviors
• Maintain dignity of the individual

According to research by O’Neill et al., extinction procedures (withholding reinforcement for problem behaviors) combined with reinforcement of alternative behaviors can reduce problem behaviors by 80-90% when consistently implemented.

Step 7: Creating Data Collection Systems

An ABA-informed BIP includes systematic data collection methods. Research indicates that interventions with ongoing monitoring and adjustment based on data are 70% more likely to be successful than those without such systems.

The BIP should specify:

• What data will be collected (frequency, duration, intensity, etc.)
• How it will be collected (direct observation, rating scales, permanent products)
• When it will be collected (times, settings, activities)
• Who will collect it
• How often it will be analyzed
• Decision rules for making modifications

Implementing BIPs Across Different Settings

School-Based Implementation

Schools implement approximately 500,000 behavior intervention plans annually in the United States. Successful school-based BIPs require:

• Team-based approach – Including teachers, behavior specialists, administrators, and parents
• Staff training – Studies show that staff with specific BIP training implement plans with 85% greater fidelity than untrained staff
• Consistency across classrooms and personnel
• Integration with academic instruction
• Alignment with school-wide positive behavior support systems

A recent study of 150 schools implementing function-based BIPs found a 65% reduction in office disciplinary referrals and a 58% decrease in suspensions over a two-year period.

Home-Based Implementation

Parent involvement in BIP implementation significantly improves outcomes. Research indicates that when parents are trained to implement BIP strategies at home, generalization of skills increases by 60-70%.

Effective home-based implementation requires:

• Parent training in basic ABA principles
• Simplified data collection methods
• Regular communication with school or clinical teams
• Adaptations for family routines and values
• Consideration of resources and feasibility

Clinical Settings

In clinical settings like ABA centers or outpatient behavioral health clinics, BIPs often benefit from:

• Higher staff-to-client ratios
• More intensive data collection
• Controlled environments
• Greater access to specialists

However, these advantages must be balanced with plans for generalization to natural environments. Research shows that skills learned solely in clinical settings have only a 30-40% generalization rate without specific programming for transfer to home and community settings.

Common Challenges and Evidence-Based Solutions

Challenge 1: Inconsistent Implementation

Research indicates that BIPs implemented with less than 80% fidelity show minimal effectiveness. Common barriers to consistent implementation include:

• Staff turnover
• Inadequate training
• Competing demands
• Complex procedures

Evidence-Based Solutions:

• Simplify procedures – Research by Digennaro-Reed et al. found that simplified BIPs were implemented with 40% greater fidelity than complex ones
• Provide performance feedback – Studies show a 50% improvement in implementation fidelity when staff receive regular feedback
• Use visual prompts and checklists
• Incorporate self-monitoring for implementers

Challenge 2: Resistance to Extinction

When reinforcement for problem behaviors is withheld (extinction), behaviors often temporarily increase in frequency, intensity, or variability before decreasing—a phenomenon called an “extinction burst.”

According to research by Lerman and Iwata, extinction bursts occur in approximately 25-30% of cases and can last from days to weeks.

Evidence-Based Solutions:

• Prepare stakeholders for possible extinction bursts
• Ensure safety plans are in place
• Combine extinction with heavy reinforcement of alternative behaviors
• Use temporary additional supports during the extinction phase

Challenge 3: Generalization and Maintenance

A significant challenge in BIP implementation is ensuring skills generalize across settings, people, and time. Research indicates that without specific programming for generalization, behavior change may be limited to the training environment.

Evidence-Based Solutions:

• Train across multiple settings – Studies show a 65% improvement in generalization when skills are taught in at least three different environments
• Involve multiple implementers
• Use diverse examples and materials
• Fade artificial supports gradually
• Incorporate natural reinforcers
• Schedule maintenance probes after mastery

Measuring BIP Effectiveness

Key Metrics for Evaluation

An ABA approach emphasizes objective measurement of outcomes. Effective BIPs track:

1. Reduction in problem behaviors – Frequency, duration, intensity
2. Increase in replacement behaviors – Rate of appropriate alternative responses
3. Skill acquisition – Mastery of new skills related to long-term success
4. Quality of life indicators – Participation, independence, relationships
5. Stakeholder satisfaction – Ratings from implementers and the individual

When to Modify a BIP

Data-based decision making is central to ABA. Research suggests BIPs should be reviewed when:

• No improvement is seen after 2-3 weeks of consistent implementation
• Progress plateaus for more than 2 weeks
• New behaviors emerge
• Circumstances change significantly

A meta-analysis of BIP implementation found that plans modified based on response data were 75% more effective than static plans.

Special Considerations for Different Populations

Early Childhood (Ages 2-5)

Research indicates that early intervention with function-based BIPs can reduce the likelihood of long-term behavioral challenges by up to 70%. For young children, effective BIPs often:

• Use more naturalistic teaching approaches
• Incorporate play-based interventions
• Focus heavily on parent training
• Address developmental domains comprehensively
• Use more immediate and concrete reinforcers

School-Age Children (Ages 6-12)

For school-age children, BIPs typically need to:

• Balance behavioral and academic goals
• Consider peer influences
• Address social skills deficits
• Incorporate self-management components as children mature
• Align with classroom management systems

Recent research indicates that approximately 12% of school-age children could benefit from function-based behavior interventions, though only about half currently receive them.

Adolescents (Ages 13-18)

As individuals enter adolescence, BIP considerations include:

• Greater emphasis on self-management
• Involvement in plan development
• Focus on social acceptance and independence
• Preparation for transition to adulthood
• Addressing risk-taking behaviors

Studies show that adolescents who participate in developing their own BIPs demonstrate 45% greater buy-in and improvement compared to those who are not involved in the process.

Adults with Developmental Disabilities

For adults, BIPs often focus on:

• Community integration
• Vocational skills
• Independent living
• Dignity and age-appropriate interventions
• Long-term support systems

Ethical Considerations in BIP Development

ABA-based BIPs must adhere to ethical guidelines, including:

1. Least restrictive interventions – Using the most positive, least intrusive effective methods
2. Social validity – Ensuring interventions are acceptable to the individual and stakeholders
3. Dignity and respect – Maintaining the individual’s rights and dignity
4. Informed consent – Ensuring all stakeholders understand and agree to procedures
5. Cultural sensitivity – Respecting cultural values and practices

A survey of behavior analysts found that 87% consider social validity a critical component of ethical BIP development, yet only 45% formally assess social validity in practice.

Technology and Innovation in BIP Implementation

Recent technological advances have enhanced BIP implementation, including:

1. Digital data collection apps – Improving accuracy and efficiency of data collection by up to 70%
2. Video modeling tools – Increasing learning rates for replacement behaviors by 40-60%
3. Telehealth consultation – Providing expert support to remote locations
4. Wearable prompting devices – Discreetly reminding individuals of strategies or routines
5. Automated reinforcement systems – Delivering consistent, timely reinforcement

Conclusion

Behavior Intervention Plans based on ABA principles represent our most effective approach to addressing challenging behaviors and teaching adaptive skills. The integration of functional assessment, precise measurement, systematic teaching procedures, and data-based decision making creates a powerful framework for meaningful behavior change.

As research continues to refine our understanding of behavior and effective interventions, BIPs will continue to evolve. However, the fundamental ABA principles that guide their development have stood the test of time, demonstrating consistent effectiveness across populations and settings.

For educators, therapists, and parents implementing BIPs, the journey may sometimes be challenging, but the data is clear—when properly developed and consistently implemented, these plans change lives by reducing problem behaviors, teaching crucial skills, and opening doors to greater independence and community participation.

References

1. Association for Behavior Analysis International
2. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
3. Behavior Analyst Certification Board
4. National Professional Development Center on ASD
5. Technical Assistance Center on PBIS