What is Behavior Support Planning?

Behavior support planning brings together the Functional Assessment findings, clinical information, and direct observations to create a written plan that guides everyday support. The goal is to make it clear what to do, when to do it, and why it matters for the person’s safety and quality of life.

At O’ Kane Enterprises, treatment plans are grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis and informed by Niamh P. O’ Kane’s experience with Autism, Intellectual and Developmental disabilities, and individuals with complex behavioral, medical, and psychiatric needs.

Each plan is individualized and designed so that families, school staff, and provider agencies can implement it consistently across settings.

Development of the Behavior Support Plan

• The challenging behaviors place the child and/ or others at risk of harm.
• There is a history of hospitalizations, crisis calls, and / or use of restrictive procedures.
• Recent changes in medical status or psychotropic medication appear related to behavior.
• Multiple caregivers or staff respond in different ways and need a consistent approach.
• Families / School teams are struggling to address behavior of concerns within the IEP or 504 plan supports.
• Residential or day programs are unsure how to balance safety with meaningful participation.
• Services span more than one state or program and need consistent expectations.

Components of a Behavior Support Plan

Behavior support plans developed through O’ Kane Enterprises translate assessment results into clear supports that can be implemented in real environments.

• Operational definitions of target behaviors and desired outcomes.
• Summary of key triggers, setting events, and maintaining variables identified in the assessment.
• Preventive strategies that adjust routines, environments, and communication demands.
• Skill-building steps to teach alternative responses, functional communication, and coping skills.
• Guidance on responses during and after episodes of challenging behavior.
• Recommendations for coordination with medical and psychiatric providers when relevant.
• Simple data suggestions to help track change over time and inform follow-up.