All About Behavior Contracts + a Freebie!

Behavior contacts are a common ABA strategy used to change behavior. Whether you have behaviors to decrease or increase, behavior contracts can be an excellent intervention for your learners of a wide range of ages and abilities. I've used them in classrooms, day programs, residential facilities, family homes, and with individuals who live on their own in the community. One of the great things about behavior contracts is the ability to tailor it to your individual and the context in which the strategy will be used.

What is a behavior contract?

A behavior contract (also called contingency contracts) is a contract between the learner and those in his/her environment. It is often written in tandem with the teacher/caregiver/staff and the learner. I always emphasize that this is a tag-team approach. The learner is much more likely to be invested in a contract that he/she helped write than just another set of rules the teacher is telling them to follow.

A behavior contract outlines expectations for that learner, both of behaviors he/she are and are not permitted to do. With these expectations, the contract includes what the learner will earn if he/she abides by the rules of the contract. Think of it like our work contracts. We have certain "rules" to follow to continue to be employed. Further, we earn a paycheck, yearly bonuses, etc. if we follow the guidelines of our contract.

A behavior contract should include a section for behaviors to increase (what the learner should do), behaviors to decrease (what the learner should not do), and consequences (reinforcement -what they earn or punishment- what they lose) for each of those outcomes. Oftentimes, depending on the sophistication level of the contract, this document will outline both short- and long-term goals. Essentially, a behavior contract objectively outlines the expectations of the learner and the consequences that follow that behavior.

When does someone need a behavior contract?

Essentially, this strategy is great for learners who have trouble with specific behaviors that can be identified and targeted with the plan. Further, a learner is a good candidate for a behavior contract when they are motivated to change these behaviors using principles of reinforcementWhile you can use this type of strategy with a wide-range of learner, I often use these with learners who have an adequate understanding of cause and effect. That is, they understand that X will lead them to Y. If you have success with using First-Then boards and a token economy with your learner, then behavior contracts may be right for them.

Obviously, you will tailor the simplicity of language based on the learner's level of understanding, but the core technique of behavior contracts can be adjusted if your learner can understand the concepts of contingent-based strategies.

How do I make a behavior contract?

This is where you can get creative with how they look, but they all share some fundamental elements. The document doesn't have to read like a "contract." It can be as simplistic, or as complex as necessary for your learner. I've used behavior contracts with children, up to adults, and they all vary in their complexity level. 

Common elements to the behavior contract are: rules/expectations to follow, reward(s) available for desired behavior, and consequences delivered for undesired behavior. The student or learner should be involved in this process. I recommend actually sitting down with the learner to draft this together, making sure everyone agrees and understands the expectations, rewards, and consequences. There's usually a section at the bottom for signatures, which can really solidify that this is a contract that needs to be followed. Everyone invested in the contract will do their part. The learner will follow their guidelines for appropriate behavior. The teacher/caregiver/staff will do their part by following through with the reward for desired behavior. Further, if undesired behavior occurs, the teacher will also be responsible for adhering to those guidelines as well, and the learner understands this. In order for behavior contracts to work, they need to be followed.

Do you have an example?

Sure do! Here is one I wrote for an adult living independently in the community receiving services for those with developmental disabilities. Here is another for a woman living independently in the community receiving services from the Department of Mental Health.

Want your own templates? Click the image below to be brought to a freebie behavior contract sample! This sample is perfect for the child/adolescent population!

ABA at Play: behavioral contingencies, behavior contracts, reinforcement, punishment