Antecedent Interventions: Definition, Types, and Examples

Antecedent-based intervention is an accumulation of practices in which environmental modifications are utilized to change the conditions in the setting that prompt the learner to engage in interfering behaviours ( Luiselli, 2008 ). In the case of Joann, the teacher will have to alter the environment by changing the seating position of Joann to avoid or decrease interfering behaviors of listening to what is going on in the hallway and pay attention to the teacher. In the case of Steve, his parents have to remain consistent to prevent the child from crying. They can decide to keep quiet when Steve is asleep. For Frieda, it is important to use non-contingent reinforcement to increase the likelihood of the desired behavior. Frieda should be positively reinforced as often as possible to be good. She should also be encouraged to socialize with other students to access food instead of stealing other students’ lunch in their desks. 

In the case of Freddy, it is important to utilize Functional Communication Training. The Functional Communication Training (FCT) will enable a systematic practice that will replace unsuitable behavior or subtle communication acts with more suitable as well as effective behaviors. To implement this intervention, the interfering behavior will be analyzed to determine its communication function through functional behavioral assessment and replacement behavior will be taught thereafter to take its place. In the case of Molly, it is important to use non-contingent reinforcement (NCR). NCR is the use of positive reinforcement that does not relate to the occurrence of the target behavior. In this case, a reinforcer will be selected to serve the same function as the problem behavior. Baseline data will then be collected to determine the intervals and the number of instances Molly grabs food. The reinforcement will then be delivered at the end of each interval throughout an activity.   

Reference  

Luiselli, J. K. (2008). 16. Antecedent (Preventive) Intervention.  Effective practices for children with autism: Educational and behavior support interventions that work , 393.