Step 2.3c Test the hypothesis (behavior) statement
Test the hypothesis statement to ensure it is correct
Once a hypothesis statement, or best guess, has been developed, the next step involves testing our guess of the purpose of the behaviors to ensure that it is correct, as long as there is no risk of injury or damage. If the behavior involves risk of injury or damage, then proceed to Step 6. In this step, caregivers or service providers test the hypothesis by modifying the setting/activity to increase the probability that the behavior occurs.
To test the example hypothesis statement above, the mom could alternate between asking him to clean up his toys and to wash his hands. In addition, the mom would need to change how she responds to the behaviors. Rather than taking him to his room and rocking him, the mom might ask him to clean up before being rocked.
If changing the tasks and consequences result in an increase in the interfering behavior (because Tino is no longer getting what he wants, which is to avoid cleaning up his toys and getting attention from mom), then the hypothesis is most likely correct. However, if Tino continues to have tantrums in both situations, the team would need to re-examine the hypothesis. Tino’s behavior function might be avoiding transition to another activity.