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Behavior

ABC Behavior Tracking for Families: Five Minutes a Day

Antecedent, behavior, consequence — a lightweight logging habit that turns confusing days into a pattern you can act on.

Dr. Priya Raman, Psy.D. · Child PsychologistMay 8, 2026 6 min read
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Most families arrive at a first meeting with a story: “It happens all the time, usually when he’s tired.” Stories matter, but they are hard to test. ABC data turns the story into something you can check against reality within two weeks.

What to record

  • Antecedent — what happened immediately before, including who was present and what demand was placed.
  • Behavior — an observable description. “Threw the plate,” not “was aggressive.”
  • Consequence — what happened after, including how adults responded.
  • Setting, time, duration or frequency, and an optional intensity rating.

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#ABC data
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Educational content only. PECSConnect articles are general information for caregivers and professionals. They are not medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always follow the plan set by your child's team.