Skip to content
Home▶ Journals▶ International Journal of Rehabilitation and Special Education (IJRSE) ▶Archive▶Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025)▶ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plan for Learners with…
International Journal of Rehabilitation and Special Education (IJRSE)
International Journal of Rehabilitation and Special Education (IJRSE) ›
Online ISSN 2583-133X
Submit your paper About the journal
Review Article

ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plan for Learners with Special Needs in the Inclusive Classroom

Alayla Louise del Castillo — Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines
Published 26 Oct 2024 Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025), pp. 1-11
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/ijrse.2025.5.1.1
Download PDF

Abstract

The inclusion of learners with special needs in an inclusive classroom poses a challenge  to the teacher’s classroom behavior management. These learners tend to present  challenging behaviors during the teaching-learning process that disrupt the flow of  the classroom system. This paper studied the challenging behaviors of learners with  special needs in the inclusive classroom by recording and observing the behaviors  through the ABC recording sheets and the classroom behavior management strategies  employed by the teachers of the learners with special needs. A descriptive-quantitative  research design was used in the analysis of data. The challenging behaviors displayed by the learner with ADHD were talking to  seatmate, tappping pencil on her desk, and standing in the middle of the class. The  challenging behaviors presented by the learner with emotional and behavioral  difficulties were not paying attention, forgetting and not completing tasks, and not  participating in classroom activities. The challenging behaviors manifested by  the learner with ASD were throwing tantrums, defying teacher’s instructions, and  hugging someone tightly. ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plans are proposed  to modify and improve the challenging behaviors of learners with special needs in  the inclusive classroom. 

KeywordsABC-based behavior intervention planinclusive classroomlearners with special needs

The full text of this article is available as a PDF.

Download PDF
  1. Aksoy, P. (2020). The challenging behaviors faced by the pre school teachers in their classrooms, and the strategies and discipline approaches used against these behaviors: The sample of United States. Participatory Educational Research, 7(3), 79-104. http://dx.doi.org/10.17275/per.20.36.7.3
  2. Alaamri, A. K. (2019). Classroom behavior management chart. Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy in the College of Education and the English Language Program. Manhattan: KS. https://krex.k-state.edu/items/aa77c7f7- 3561-4d76-93ce-15265d2f33b7
  3. Alai-Rosales, S., Cihon, J. H., Currier, T. D. R., Ferguson, J. L., Leaf, J. B., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., & Weinkauf, S. M. (2019). The big four: Functional assessment research informs pre ventative behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(1), 222-234. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/ s40617-018-00291-9
  4. Andreev, I. (2023). Cognitive learning. Valamis. https://www. valamis.com/hub/cognitive-learning
  5. Atmojo, A. E. P. (2020). Junior high school students’ disruptive behaviour and their expectations on EFL class. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching, 7(2), 509-521. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1250586.pdf
  6. Bearss, K., Johnson, C. R., Handen, B. L., Butter, E. M., Lecavalier, L., Smith, T., & Scahill, L. (2019). Parent training for dis ruptive behavior: The Rubi Autism Network. NY: United States of America: Oxford University Press. https://doi. org/10.1093/med-psych/9780190627812.001.0001
  7. Alayla Louise A. del Castillo ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plan for Learners with Special Needs in the Inclusive Classroom
  8. Begum, J. (2021). What is classical conditioning? WebMD. https:// www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-operant-condi tioning
  9. Bradley-Levine, J. (2021). Examining teacher advocacy for full inclusion. Journal of Catholic Education, 24(1), 62-82. http://dx.doi.org/10.15365/joce.2401042021
  10. Buckley, D. (2022). Understanding the antecedent behavior con sequence model. Better Help. https://www.betterhelp.com/ advice/behavior/understanding-the-antecedent-behav ior-consequence-model/
  11. Calderella, P., Larsen, R. A. A., Williams, L., Wills, H. P., & Wehby, J. H. (2020). “Stop doing that!”: Effects of teacher reprimands on student disruptive behvaior and engage ment. Hammill Institute on Disabilities, 23(3), 163-173. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1297789.pdf
  12. Callwood, A. J. (2021). Developing educators’ capacity for nat ural and ethical caring a mixed-methods study. Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.liu.edu/post_fultext_ dis/28/
  13. Charlton, C. T., Rigby, D. M. G., Moulton, S. E., Sabey, C. V., & Richardson, M. J. (2021). Implementing behavior inter vention plans in schools: A pilot study of the complex rela tionship between technical adequacy, treatment integrity, and student outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Education, 32, 382-403. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10864- 021-09448-z
  14. Cherry, K. (2023). What is classical conditioning in psychology? VeryWell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/classi cal-conditioning-2794859
  15. Clarity Child Guidance Center. (2018). For educators: What to do when a child is withdrawn. Clarity CGC. https://www. claritycgc.org/for-educators-what-to-do-when-a-child-is withdrawn/
  16. Council for Exceptional Children. (2023). Behavior Disorders: Definitions, characteristics & related information. Division for Emotional Behavioral Health. https://debh.exception alchildren.org/behavior-disorders-definitions-characteris tics-related-information
  17. Disability Rights North Carolina. (2021). Understanding FBAs and BIPs. Disability Rights North Carolina. https://disabili tyrightsnc.org/resources/fbas-and-bips/
  18. Dooley, S. (2020). Autism in the classroom: How to handle behavior challenges. Sarah Dooley Center for Autism Organization. https://www.sarahdooleycenter.org/news/autism-in-the classroom-how-to-handle-behavior-challenges/
  19. Francisco, M. P. B., Hartman, M., & Wang, Y. (2020). Inclusion and special education. Education Sciences, 10(9), 238. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10090238
  20. Garrote, A., Felder, F., Krahenmann, H., Schnepel, S., Sermier Dessemontet, R., & Moser Opitz, E. (2020). Social accep tance in inclusive classrooms: The role of teacher attitudes toward inclusion and classroom management. Fronties of Education, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.582873
  21. Harinie, L. T., Sudiro, A., Rahayu, M., & Fatchan, A. (2017). Study of the Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory for the entrepreneurship learning process. Social Sciences, 6(1), 1-6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316198349_ Study_of_the_Bandura’s_Social_Cognitive_Learning_
  22. Theory_for_the_Entrepreneurship_Learning_Process Hoffman, L., Narhi, V., Savolainen, H., & Schwab, S. (2021). Classroom behavioural climate in inclusive education - A study on secondary students’ perceptions. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 21(4), 312-322. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12529
  23. Hunt, P. F. (2020). Inclusive education: Children with disabili ties. 2020 Global Education Monitoring Report ‘Inclusion and education’. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/ pf0000373662
  24. Justice, A. (2023). Understanding the antecedent behavior con sequence model. Better Help. https://www.betterhelp.com/ advice/behavior/understanding-the-antecedent-behav ior-consequence-model/
  25. Kart, A. & Kart, M. (2021). Academic and social effects of inclu sion on students without disabilities: A review of the liter ature. Education Sciences, 11(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/ educsci11010016
  26. Kemp, G., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2022). Learning disabilities and disorders. Help Guide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-dis orders.htm
  27. LaMorte, W. W. (2022). The theory of planned behavior. Boston University School of Public Health. https://sphweb.bumc. bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/ BehavioralChangeTheories3.html
  28. Lavay, B. (2019). Behavior management: What I have learned. Journal of Physical Education Recreation & Dance, 90(3), 5-9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331804267_ Behavior_Management_What_I_Have_Learned
  29. Lee, C. (2018). Instructional design models and theories: Connectionism. Arizona State University. https://teachon line.asu.edu/2018/02/instructional-design-models-theo ries-connectionism/
  30. Li, P. (2023). Operant conditioning: 65 examples. Parenting for Brain. https://www.parentingforbrain.com/operant-condi tioning/
  31. Lihua, D. (2022). An extended model of the theory of planned behavior: An empirical study of entrepreneurial intention
  32. and entrepreneurial behavior in college students. Frontiers of Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627818 Locharoenrat, W., Saengsawang, T., & Jackson, L. (2019). Interventions and attitiudes of special education teachers in Thailand on challenging behaviors of students with disabil ities: A case study. KKU International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(3). https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index. php/KKUIJ/article/view/199445
  33. Main, P. (2023). Thorndike’s theory. Structural Learning. https:// www.structural-learning.com/post/thorndikes-theory#:~:- text=Key%20Takeaways-,Thorndike’s%20theory%20of%20 learning%20emphasized%20the%20significance%20of%20 reinforcement%20and,less%20likely%20to%20be%20 repeated.
  34. Mauro, T. (2020). Behavior intervention plans (BIP) for your stu dents. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/ what-is-a-behavior-intervention-plan-3105186
  35. Mcleod. S. (2023). Operant conditioning: What it is, how it works, and examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsy chology.org/operant-conditioning.html
  36. Miller, G. (2022). What is a behavior intervention plan? Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-a-be havior-intervention-plan/
  37. Morin, A. (2022). Discipline strategies from children with autism. Very Well Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/disci pline-strategies-for-children-with-autism
  38. Murtoff, J. (2023). Operant conditioning. Britannica. https:// www.britannica.com/science/operant-conditioning Musa, A. & Dergaa, I. (2022). A narrative review on prevention and early intervention of challenging behaviors in chil dren with a special emphasis on covid-19 times. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15. https://psycnet. apa.org/record/2022-81898-001
  39. Nasiru, M. A., Kuyini, A. B., & Cornish, L. (2019). Exploring behavior management strategies used by teachers in Thailand primary schools. Journal for Researching Education Practice and Theory. 2(2), 48-73. https://bspace.
  40. buid.ac.ae/buid_server/api/core/bitstreams/efea4b7c-960f 4113-9713-c0c8afca342e/content
  41. Nickell, G. S. & Hinsz, V. B. (2023). Applying the theory of planned behavior to understand workers’ production of safe food. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 39(2), 89-100. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2023a10
  42. Niwaz, A. Khan, K., & Naz, S. (2021). Exploring teachers’ class room management strategies dealing with disruptive behavior of students in public schools. Ilkogretim Online - Elementary Education Online, 20(2), 1596-1617. https:// ilkogretim-online.org/index.php/pub/article/down load/2285/2230/4401
  43. Norfolk County Council. (2024). Special education provision we expect from places of learning. Norfolk County Council. https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/52998/Introduction
  44. O’Connor, J. R. Jr. (2019). Setting a framework of inclusive support for students with disabilities. IGI Global. https://www.igi global.com/chapter/setting-a-framework-of-inclusive-sup port-for-students-with-disabilities/214403
  45. Owusu, M. K., Dramanu, B. Y., & Amponsah, M. O. (2021). Classroom management strategies and academic perfor mance of junior high school students. International Journal of Education and Management Engineering, 6(4), 29-38. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359291463_ Classroom_Management_Strategies_and_Academic_ Performance_of_Junior_High_School_Students
  46. Pauley, G. (2019). Behavior menu of best practices and strategies. Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/ learning-assistance-program-lap/menus-best-practic es-strategies
  47. Pennington, B., Simacek, J., McComas, J., McMaster, K., & Elmquist, M. (2019). Maintenance and generalization in functional behavior assessment/behavior intervention plan literature. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28, 27-53. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-20044-001
  48. Ramos, T. M. (2023). Challenges for teachers in special-needs-in clusive classrooms. We Have Kids. https://wehavekids. com/education/Top-Challenges-Teacher-Face-in-Special Needs-Inclusive-Classrooms
  49. Rudy, L. J. (2023). Autistic behavior vs misbehavior. Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/autistic-behav ior-or-misbehavior-4047387#:~:text=Here’s%20what%20 to%20look%20for,not%20a%20form%20of%20misbehav ior.
  50. Schwartz, R. (2022). Could a behavior intervention plan help your student with ADHD? Additude. https://www.additudemag. com/behavior-intervention-plan-adhd/
  51. Siahaan, M. K. (2022). Education for children with special needs. The Explora, 8(2). https://ejournal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/ explora/article/view/642
  52. Sobeck, E. E. & Reister, M. (2020). Preventing challenging behavior: 10 behavior management strategies every teach ers should know. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 65(1), 70-78. https://doi. org/10.1080/1045988X.2020.1821347
  53. Stangor, C. & Walinga, J. (2019). Learning by association: Classical conditioning. University of Saskatchewan, Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychol ogy/chapter/7-1-learning-by-association-classical-condi tioning/
  54. Stone, J. (2023). Why it’s vital educators understand student learning disabilities to ensure effective teaching and learn ing. The University of Melbourne. https://study.unimelb. edu.au/study-with-us/professional-development/blog/ why-its-vital-educators-understand-student-learning-dis abilities-to-ensure-effective-teaching-and-learning
  55. Surur, A. M. (2021). Thorndike’s theory for improving Madrasah teacher’s creative thinking and publication. Advances in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities Research, 529. https:// www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/iconetos-20/125955783
  56. Sutton, J. (2021). What is classical conditioning theory? 6 real-life examples. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology. com/classical-conditioning-theory-examples/
  57. Tan, A. (2021). Effectiveness of applied behavioral analysis for tod dlers with Autism: A scoping review. Metropolia: University of Applied Sciences. https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/ handle/10024/501452/Tan_Alexis.pdf?sequence=2
  58. Thomas, B. R. & Lafasakis, M. (2019). Modifying a behavior intervention plan according to classroom aides acceptabil ity ratings: Effects on treatment integrity and challenging behavior. International Journal of Development Disabilities, 65(3), 185-194. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1 080/20473869.2019.1589046
  59. University of Southern Queensland. (2020). Disruptive student behavior. USQ Pressbooks. https://usq.pressbooks.pub/trau mainformedpractice/chapter/2-4-observing-behaviour/
  60. Webster, J. (2020). ABC: Antecedent, behavior, consequence - Overcoming learning disabilities with behavior modification. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-anteced ent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263
  61. Weinstein, A. (2019). Use of behavior-specific praise to improve learning outcomes in inclusive classrooms (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas. https://twu-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/
  62. d17b4207-cbca-4ca4-a401-6de0912fd8b9/content Vendas, A. Y. S. (2020). Classroom behavior management strategies to support children with special educational needs. Faculdade De Ciencias Sociais e Humanas: Universidade Nova de Lisboa. https://run.unl.pt/bitstream/10362/110184/1/ Alyssia%20Vendas%20Final%20Report.pdf
  63. Victorian Department of Education. (2023). Behaviour - Students. Victoria. https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/ behaviour-students/policy
  64. Young, A., Andrews, C., Hayes, C., Valdez, C. (2018). Should teachers learn how to formally assess behavior? Three educa tors’ perspectives. International Journal of Special Education, 33(2). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1185587.pdf
  65. Yu, Q., Li, E., Li, L., & Liang, W. (2020). Efficacy of interventions based on applied behavior analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Investigation, 17(5), 432-443. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/
  66. PMC7265021/
  67. and entrepreneurial behavior in college students. Frontiers of Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627818 Locharoenrat, W., Saengsawang, T., & Jackson, L. (2019). Interventions and attitiudes of special education teachers in Thailand on challenging behaviors of students with disabil ities: A case study. KKU International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(3). https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index. php/KKUIJ/article/view/199445
  68. Main, P. (2023). Thorndike’s theory. Structural Learning. https:// www.structural-learning.com/post/thorndikes-theory#:~:- text=Key%20Takeaways-,Thorndike’s%20theory%20of%20 learning%20emphasized%20the%20significance%20of%20 reinforcement%20and,less%20likely%20to%20be%20 repeated.
  69. Mauro, T. (2020). Behavior intervention plans (BIP) for your stu dents. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/ what-is-a-behavior-intervention-plan-3105186
  70. Mcleod. S. (2023). Operant conditioning: What it is, how it works, and examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsy chology.org/operant-conditioning.html
  71. Miller, G. (2022). What is a behavior intervention plan? Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-a-be havior-intervention-plan/
  72. Morin, A. (2022). Discipline strategies from children with autism. Very Well Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/disci pline-strategies-for-children-with-autism
  73. Murtoff, J. (2023). Operant conditioning. Britannica. https:// www.britannica.com/science/operant-conditioning Musa, A. & Dergaa, I. (2022). A narrative review on prevention and early intervention of challenging behaviors in chil dren with a special emphasis on covid-19 times. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15. https://psycnet. apa.org/record/2022-81898-001
  74. Nasiru, M. A., Kuyini, A. B., & Cornish, L. (2019). Exploring behavior management strategies used by teachers in Thailand primary schools. Journal for Researching Education Practice and Theory. 2(2), 48-73. https://bspace.
  75. buid.ac.ae/buid_server/api/core/bitstreams/efea4b7c-960f 4113-9713-c0c8afca342e/content
  76. Nickell, G. S. & Hinsz, V. B. (2023). Applying the theory of planned behavior to understand workers’ production of safe food. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 39(2), 89-100. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2023a10
  77. Niwaz, A. Khan, K., & Naz, S. (2021). Exploring teachers’ class room management strategies dealing with disruptive behavior of students in public schools. Ilkogretim Online - Elementary Education Online, 20(2), 1596-1617. https:// ilkogretim-online.org/index.php/pub/article/down load/2285/2230/4401
  78. Norfolk County Council. (2024). Special education provision we expect from places of learning. Norfolk County Council. https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/52998/Introduction
  79. O’Connor, J. R. Jr. (2019). Setting a framework of inclusive support for students with disabilities. IGI Global. https://www.igi global.com/chapter/setting-a-framework-of-inclusive-sup port-for-students-with-disabilities/214403
  80. Owusu, M. K., Dramanu, B. Y., & Amponsah, M. O. (2021). Classroom management strategies and academic perfor mance of junior high school students. International Journal of Education and Management Engineering, 6(4), 29-38. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359291463_ Classroom_Management_Strategies_and_Academic_ Performance_of_Junior_High_School_Students
  81. Pauley, G. (2019). Behavior menu of best practices and strategies. Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/ learning-assistance-program-lap/menus-best-practic es-strategies
  82. Pennington, B., Simacek, J., McComas, J., McMaster, K., & Elmquist, M. (2019). Maintenance and generalization in functional behavior assessment/behavior intervention plan literature. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28, 27-53. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-20044-001
  83. Ramos, T. M. (2023). Challenges for teachers in special-needs-in clusive classrooms. We Have Kids. https://wehavekids. com/education/Top-Challenges-Teacher-Face-in-Special Needs-Inclusive-Classrooms
  84. Rudy, L. J. (2023). Autistic behavior vs misbehavior. Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/autistic-behav ior-or-misbehavior-4047387#:~:text=Here’s%20what%20 to%20look%20for,not%20a%20form%20of%20misbehav ior.
  85. Schwartz, R. (2022). Could a behavior intervention plan help your student with ADHD? Additude. https://www.additudemag. com/behavior-intervention-plan-adhd/
  86. Siahaan, M. K. (2022). Education for children with special needs. The Explora, 8(2). https://ejournal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/ explora/article/view/642
  87. Sobeck, E. E. & Reister, M. (2020). Preventing challenging behavior: 10 behavior management strategies every teach ers should know. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 65(1), 70-78. https://doi. org/10.1080/1045988X.2020.1821347
  88. Stangor, C. & Walinga, J. (2019). Learning by association: Classical conditioning. University of Saskatchewan, Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychol ogy/chapter/7-1-learning-by-association-classical-condi tioning/
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2024 International Journal of Rehabilitation and Special Education (IJRSE)