In ABA therapy, a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is one of the most important tools for helping children reduce challenging behaviors and learn new skills. A BIP in ABA clearly defines problem behaviors, identifies their function, and outlines strategies for parents, teachers, and clinicians to respond consistently.
BIP in ABA Therapy: What It Is and Why It’s Important
Challenging behaviors such as aggression, running away, or tantrums can make it hard for kids to learn, follow routines, and build social skills. These behaviors can also be stressful for families, teachers, and therapists.
That’s where a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) helps. A BIP is a plan created to reduce problem behaviors and teach better ways to act.
This blog will help you understand what a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan) is and why it’s important. You'll learn who creates and uses these plans, what makes a good plan, and see examples of BIPs in action. Plus, we’ll show you how tools like Theralytics can make creating and managing BIPs much easier.
What Is a BIP in ABA?
A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) in ABA therapy is a structured, written plan developed after completing a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). Its purpose is to identify problem behaviors, explain why they happen, and outline strategies to reduce them while teaching positive, replacement skills.
A strong BIP in ABA is:
- Individualized – customized to each child’s unique needs and environment.
- Data-driven – created using evidence from assessments and observation.
- Proactive – focused on teaching new skills to prevent challenging behaviors.
- Reactive – includes strategies to safely and effectively respond when problem behaviors occur.
- Versatile – used consistently across homes, schools, and clinical therapy settings.
Why Are BIPs Important?
If problem behaviors are ignored, they can cause:
- Safety risks for the child and others
- Problem behaviors may spread to other environments
- Missed learning opportunities
- Stress for caregivers and teachers
A strong BIP:
- Gives clear steps for handling behaviors
- Ensures consistency across home, school, and therapy
- Uses positive strategies to encourage growth
- Uses reactive strategies to help navigate challenging situations
In schools, BIPs are often part of an IEP (Individualized Education Program) and follow rules under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Types of Behaviors a BIP Can Address
A BIP in ABA therapy reduce schallenging behaviors while teaching safer, more effective alternatives. These plans don’t just list “bad behaviors” - they explain why the behavior is happening and how to respond consistently across home, school, and therapy settings. Here are some of the most common behaviors a BIP can address:
- Tantrums and Meltdowns
Example: A child may cry, scream, or throw objects when asked to stop a preferred activity. A BIP can teach coping skills, like asking for more time or using a break card. - Aggression
Example: Hitting, kicking, or pushing peers or adults during transitions. A BIP provides strategies to reduce aggression and replace it with safer ways of expressing frustration. - Elopement (Running Away)
Example: Leaving the classroom or home without permission. The BIP outlines safety procedures and teaches the child to request breaks or signal when they need space. - Self-Injury (SIB)
Example: Behaviors like head-banging, hand-biting, or scratching. A BIP identifies triggers and provides replacement strategies along with safety protocols. - Noncompliance
Example: Refusing to follow directions, such as ignoring requests to line up or complete homework. A BIP focuses on motivation, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement. - Attention-Seeking Behaviors
Example: Shouting out in class or interrupting adults. A BIP helps redirect the behavior into appropriate ways of gaining attention, like raising a hand or using communication tools. - Disruptive Classroom Behaviors
Example: Talking out of turn, making noises, or distracting peers. The plan provides proactive strategies to keep the student engaged while minimizing disruptions.
Who Creates and Uses a BIP?
- BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) or clinical supervisors write the BIP based on FBA results.
- RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians), teachers, parents, and support staff use the BIP to help the child.
Key Tip: Consistency is key, everyone should use the same strategies for the best results.
What Makes a Good BIP?
A strong BIP includes:
- Basic Info: Child’s name, date, and team members
- Background Info: Any historical/therapeutic information that is important for staff to be aware of for the BIP.
- Precursor Behaviors: What behaviors typically occur or act as warning signs for more challenging behaviors (e.g., children may start pacing the room before they try to run away or become physically aggressive)
- Target Behaviors: What behaviors need to change, described clearly
- Behavior Function: Why the behavior happens (e.g., to avoid tasks, get attention, or for sensory reasons)
- Setting Events: These are conditions or circumstances that make problem behavior more or less likely to occur, even though they don’t immediately trigger it.
- Triggers/Antecedents: These are immediate events that start the behavior right then and there.
- Prevention Strategies: Ways to stop the behavior before it starts, like:
- Visual schedules
- Clear rules
- Transition warnings
- Replacement Behaviors: New, positive actions to teach, such as:
- Asking for breaks instead of hitting
- Using coping tools
- Reinforcements: Rewards for good behavior, like:
- Token systems
- Praise
- Small prizes
- Consequence Strategies: Steps to take after a behavior, like:
- Ignoring tantrums (planned ignoring)
- Redirecting the child
- Data Collection: Tools to track how often the behavior happens
- Safety Plans: Directions for handling dangerous situations, if needed
- Review Schedule: When the team will check and update the plan
Do’s and Don’ts for Creating a BIP in ABA Therapy
Types of BIPs and When They Are Used
Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) are flexible tools that can be adapted to different environments. Whether written for school, home, or clinic settings, they follow the same ABA principles but are tailored to the child’s needs and the team supporting them.
- School-Based BIPs (IEP BIPs, IDEA Compliance)
In schools, BIPs are often part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). They ensure compliance with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) by giving teachers and staff a structured way to manage behaviors that interfere with learning.
Example: A BIP may outline how to support a student who elopes from class during math tasks, with prevention strategies and replacement skills.
- Home-Based BIPs (Parents and Caregivers)
At home, BIPs give parents and caregivers practical strategies for handling behaviors that occur outside of school or therapy.
Example: If a child tantrums during bedtime routines, a home-based BIP might include clear visuals, consistent reinforcement, and ways to teach self-soothing.
- Clinic-Based BIPs (RBTs and BCBAs)
In ABA clinics, BIPs are implemented by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). These plans are often more intensive, focusing on skill-building alongside behavior reduction.
Example: A clinic-based BIP may address self-injury by teaching communication tools and reinforcing safer alternatives.
How to Create a BIP: Step-by-Step
Creating a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP in ABA) is a team process that combines data, collaboration, and consistent implementation. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
- Observe the behavior in real-life settings.
- Collect data on what happens before (antecedent) and after (consequence) the behavior.
- Talk to parents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers for context.
Example: If a child throws toys during math, the team records when it happens, what triggered it, and how staff responded.
2. Identify the Function of the Behavior
- Use the FBA results to determine why the behavior occurs (e.g., escape, attention, access to tangibles, sensory).
- Understanding the function ensures the plan targets the root cause, not just the surface behavior.
3. Write the Plan
- Define the target behavior clearly and objectively.
- Add proactive strategies like visual schedules, transition warnings, or structured choices.
- Teach replacement behaviors that serve the same function.
Example: If a child screams to get attention, the BIP may include teaching them to raise their hand or use a communication card.
4. Collaborate with the Team
- Parents, teachers, therapists, and RBTs all play a role in carrying out the plan.
- Consistency across home, school, and clinic is crucial.
- Training sessions ensure everyone understands the strategies and responses.
5. Use Data Collection Tools
- Track behavior frequency, duration, and intensity using paper data sheets, ABC charts, or digital platforms.
- ABA data tracking software like Theralytics can simplify the process with automated graphs, session notes, and collaboration features.
6. Train and Support Staff
- Provide hands-on practice for implementing strategies.
- Use fidelity checks to ensure the plan is followed correctly.
7. Implement the Plan Across Settings
- Apply strategies in the home, classroom, or clinic.
- Consistency helps the child generalize new skills to different environments.
8. Track, Review, and Update
- Collect data regularly to see if the behavior is improving.
- Review the plan weekly or bi-weekly with the team.
- Make adjustments if the child’s needs change or the plan isn’t effective.
Examples of BIPs
Example 1: Aggression to Avoid Work
Before the BIP:
- The child hits the teacher during math and gets out of doing the worksheet.
After the BIP:
- The team learns the child is trying to avoid math (function: escape).
- The child is taught to ask for a break using a visual card (replacement behavior).
- Teachers use a “first, then” board and shorter work times.
- The result: Aggression goes down, and break requests go up.
Example 2: Tantrums for Attention
Before the BIP:
- The child screams during group time to get attention, and staff respond immediately.
After the BIP:
- The team learns the child is seeking attention (function: attention).
- The child is taught to raise their hand or use a communication device (replacement behavior).
- Staff ignore the tantrums and reward appropriate requests for attention.
- The result: Fewer tantrums, better communication.
How to Track and Update a BIP
- Collect data on how often the behavior happens.
- Conduct procedural fidelity and interobserver agreement check-ins in order to ensure all staff are running programs and interventions correctly and recording data accurately.
- Review the plan weekly or every other week.
- Update the plan if:
- The behavior isn’t improving.
- New behaviors appear.
- The child’s situation changes.
Remember: A BIP is a flexible tool that should grow with the child’s needs.
How Theralytics Makes BIPs Easier
Theralytics is a platform that helps ABA professionals with every part of the BIP process. It includes:
- Behavior Data Tools: To collect and review ABC data.
- Collaboration Features: To share plans with team members.
- Progress Tracking: To visualize improvements over time.
- Templates for BIPs: To save time and reduce paperwork.
- Compliance Tools: To ensure accurate records for audits.
With Theralytics, BCBAs can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping kids.
Final Thoughts
A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is more than a document; it’s a tool to help make real changes. It teaches kids new skills, supports caregivers, and helps create safer, more positive environments.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, knowing how BIPs in ABA work is super important for making ABA therapy more effective.
Want to make creating BIPs easier? See how Theralytics can help your team today!
.avif)
