A behavior intervention plan (BIP) is a written behavioral improvement strategy for children who struggle with maladaptive behaviors. A BIP acts as a map to help an ABA therapist, their team, parents or caregivers, and teachers support the child as they learn new skills and behaviors.
Learn more about what a behavior intervention plan is and how it can help your child below.
What Is Included in a BIP?
BIPs are individualized to each child’s needs based on their functional behavioral assessment (FBA). A BIP can be a single page or multiple pages, depending on the child’s needs and the behaviors the BIP is targeting.
An FBA
A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a way to understand why a child is having behavioral challenges. By understanding what causes maladaptive behaviors, the support team around the child can better help them.
An FBA is the main guide for a BIP because it provides a clear cause-and-effect understanding around a child’s behavior—a crucial element if the child is nonverbal (doesn’t speak).
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is the only person who can perform the FBA due to their expertise.
Current Behaviors
Part of an FBA is highlighting the child’s current behavior and why it happens. It’s important for everyone involved to not only know the disruptive behavior but also why it happens.
This is because some behaviors, such as fidgeting, losing focus, and aggression, can all be signs of needing help. The FBA should also state how often the behavior occurs and specific days and times—if applicable.
BCBAs are very thorough in their observations, so it’s easy for anyone to understand the child. For example, the BCBA may write:
“Sarah shows signs of aggression (pushing, hitting, kicking) every day during recess. This could be due to overstimulation from the sounds, kids running around, or the change from an indoor to outdoor environment.”
Behavior Goals
Behavior goals are simply what the support team wants for the child. These goals could include stating their needs, playing well with others, or following instructions. There is usually a deadline for the goal; however, goals are very flexible.
Using the same example as above:
“We want Sarah to be able to enjoy recess and reduce her aggressive behaviors by the end of the school year.” or “We want Sarah to tell us when she’s overwhelmed instead of harming others in four months.”
Of course, a child can have multiple behavior goals depending on their needs.
Strategies to Address Behaviors
This is the part of the BIP that helps everyone understand what to do next. Multiple strategies can be used to help the child, such as:
- Prompting: A hint to guide the child to make the right choices regarding behavior or completion of a task.
- Chaining: Turning one task into a series of smaller tasks for easier understanding and skill development.
- Positive reinforcement: Rewarding positive behavior or completion of a task.
- Manding: The child voicing their needs through speaking, gestures, signing, or pointing to a picture.
- An assigned helper: The child may need the individualized support of a paraprofessional or behavioral technician to ensure they get help without taking attention from other students.
“When Sarah shows signs of aggression at recess, her behavioral technician will bring her back inside and give her time to decompress. Sarah will then be asked if she wants to try going outside again or staying inside.”
Who Creates a Behavior Intervention Plan?
Only a handful of professionals can make a BIP:
- BCBAs
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Special education teachers
However, parents should be involved throughout the whole process.
Why Are BIPs Important?
A BIP is important because it’s the best way to provide a supportive environment to a child struggling with maladaptive behaviors. A BIP explains the best way to assist a child in a way that everyone can understand. This empowers teachers, parents, and caregivers to use these strategies to create positive change in their child’s life.
It’s also a structured support in difficult situations where emotions are running high—both for the child and adults.
Finally, as already mentioned, they are customized to each child’s needs, ensuring that their needs are addressed appropriately. With a properly implemented BIP, a child can improve their social, motor, adaptability, and other essential developmental skills.
Who Benefits from a BIP?
Many children can benefit from a BIP if they show continuous maladaptive behaviors. BIPs are often used for those with:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Bipolar disorder
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
When Does a Child Need a BIP?
A child needs a BIP when they have consistent behavior challenges that affect their ability to learn in school. Common signs that a BIP is needed are:
- Consistent maladaptive behaviors
- Emotional/Behavioral escalation
- Typical management strategies aren’t working
- Uncertainty regarding how to help the child
- Child is struggling in school
How Does a Behavior Intervention Plan Work?
1. Receiving a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
An FBA will use the following data to create a better picture of a child’s needs:
- Direct observation of
- How often maladaptive behaviors occur
- How a child acts with other people
- How intense the maladaptive behavior is
- Why the maladaptive behavior occurs
- Interviews with multiple loved ones
- Tests/homework
- Any previous health records
When people realize that a child is not just acting out and that there is a reason for it, they are better able to respond to the child and their behaviors.
2. Establishing Behavior Goals
Once the FBA is completed, an ABA therapist will create specific, actionable goals based on their findings. They will define the goals, the strategies needed, and when the child should start showing changes.
These goals and timelines are initial estimates and may change slightly once implementation begins.
3. Explaining the BIP to Others
The next step is involving everyone in the child’s environment. The ABA therapist should explain the BIP to any parents, siblings, caregivers, or teachers who will be involved. Everyone must understand the plan so they can go into implementation confidently.
A cohesive, supportive environment is key to a successful BIP.
4. Implementing the BIP
The plan should be active throughout the day, every day. Strategy implementation and consistency across all environments are crucial to meeting the BIP goals. As time passes, the team must record progress through various measuring tools. These tools can include a checklist, daily report cards, and daily recording.
5. Assessing Progress
Once enough time has passed, the support team will evaluate whether the plan is working. Using the data collected, the ABA therapist can assess whether progress is being made or if adjustments are needed.
If the BIP is working as intended, the team should take a moment to celebrate the progress with the child. This will keep everyone motivated throughout the process.
6. Adapt as Things Change
If the BIP is no longer working, then changes must be made—luckily, high-quality BIPs are easily adjustable. Together, the support team will discuss what is no longer working and how to meet the child’s new needs. Again, parents should be involved in any changes in the BIP.
What Happens if a BIP Is Not Producing the Desired Results?
If a BIP isn’t helping, this isn’t a reflection of the child. Instead, the BIP could not be working for a variety of reasons:
- The reasons for the behaviors are wrong.
- The reinforcements aren’t enticing to the child.
- The child’s needs have changed.
- The child no longer displays a particular behavior.
What Can Parents Expect After a BIP Is Implemented?
After a BIP is implemented, parents should expect to be part of the support team and be updated regularly. If you have questions, they should be answered in a reasonable amount of time.
Progress will be slow. True progress is built through consistent care, intervention, and time. But you should start to see small signs of progress as time goes on.
Can Parents Follow the BIP at Home?
Yes, parents can follow the BIP at home—in fact, it’s often recommended. Providing a supportive and instructional environment consistently makes it easier for the child to grow. They will have a structured environment and the help they need to develop the skills and behaviors to succeed.
If you are unsure how to implement the BIP at home, make sure to talk to the rest of the support team. They will give you tips and may even offer home training depending on your child’s needs.
Discover Positive Change with Spectrum Behavioral Therapies
Do you live in California, and are you looking for help for your autistic child? Spectrum Behavioral Therapies can help.
Our ABA therapy service creates customized BIPs and offers parent training so caregivers can be more proactive. We also work with schools so your child can have a supportive environment everywhere they go.
FAQs
How should parents, teachers, and ABA professionals collaborate throughout the process?
Parents, teachers, and ABA professionals should collaborate by sharing their unique viewpoints, asking questions, and helping each other throughout the process. When everyone is on the same page, the child gets the most supportive environment.
How is progress measured and when should a BIP be updated?
There are many ways to measure BIP progress, such as checklists, observation reports, charts, or duration recordings. The team should decide the best way to track progress before the plan is implemented.
What Is the Difference Between a BIP, IEP, and 504 Plan?
A BIP is a behavior performance plan that a team will follow to help a child manage their behavioral challenges and learn without disruption. A BIP does not require a special approval process (other than parental approval), and goals are flexible.
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) details how the school’s special education will support the student when they need extra help. This encompasses behavior and learning challenges. A child has to be evaluated and approved for an IEP and have annual goals.
A 504 plan ensures that a student gets the accommodations they need to get a proper education. Eligibility requirements for a 504 require a documented disability that can interfere with the child’s learning.
