Step 3.2 Collect data

The caregiver or service provider collects data that focus on:

  1. the frequency of the interfering behavior: how often the behavior occurs (e.g., time sampling, event sampling);
  2. the frequency of use of replacement behavior(s): how often the toddler with ASD uses the replacement behavior(s); and
  3. how long the interfering behavior lasts when it occurs.

​Example data collection sheet that allows caregivers or service providers to monitor the target behavior:

data sheet

  • The FBA team collects data both in the setting where the behavior occurs and in other settings.
  • The FBA team collects data at least once a week in the setting in which the behavior occurs to monitor the incidence of the interfering behavior(s) as well as the replacement behavior(s).

As the interfering behavior diminishes, team members can collect progress monitoring data less frequently. However, data should be collected for an extended period of time in order to demonstrate maintenance of skills and the success of the intervention plan.