About this resource
Sometimes how long something lasts matters more than how often it happens. This sheet records start and end times, total duration, what was happening before and notes. It can be used for behaviours of concern or for positive behaviours, such as time engaged in an activity.
Purpose
To collect consistent duration data for assessment and review.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Positive behaviour support practitioners. Also relevant for disability support workers, educators and school support staff.
Client or participant group: Teams supporting a person with a behaviour support plan or skill-building goals.
Practice setting: Supported living, schools, day programs and family homes, guided by a behaviour support practitioner.
Suggested uses
- Assessment data collection
- Tracking engagement in meaningful activities
- Reviewing the effect of strategies
- Sharing data with the behaviour support practitioner
Instructions for practitioners
- Agree clear start and end definitions.
- Record every episode during the observation period.
- Track positive behaviours and engagement as well.
- Review data with the behaviour support practitioner.
Accessibility considerations
Digital versions can be created from the editable source.
Scope and limitations
A data collection tool. It does not determine the function of behaviour and must not be used to plan restrictive practices.
Research basis
Understanding what happens before and after behaviour is the basis of functional assessment, which guides support.
- Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2003). FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR: A REVIEW. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(2), 147–185. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2003.36-147
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
