ABC Data Collection Guide

What is ABC Data?

ABC data refers to Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence data, which is a fundamental observation method in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It helps identify patterns and functions of behaviors by documenting:

• Antecedent: What happened immediately before the behavior
• Behavior: The specific behavior observed
• Consequence: What happened immediately after the behavior

How to Collect ABC Data

Antecedent

Record environmental factors or events that occurred right before the behavior:

• Time of day
• Location
• Activities in progress
• People present
• Instructions or demands given
• Changes in routine

Behavior

Document the observable behavior in specific, measurable terms:

• What exactly did the client do?
• How long did it last?
• What was the intensity?
• Use objective language, avoiding interpretations

Consequence

Document what happened immediately after the behavior:

• How did others respond?
• What changed in the environment?
• Did the client gain or avoid something?
• What interventions were implemented?

Using ABC Data in Treatment Planning

ABC data helps identify the function of behaviors, which typically fall into these categories:

• Access to attention
• Access to tangibles/activities
• Escape/avoidance
• Sensory stimulation

Identifying these patterns allows you to develop more effective intervention strategies.