Sensory function
An informal name for behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement, meaning the sensory consequences the behavior itself produces rather than anything another person provides.
"Sensory function" is a common label in schools, clinics and some training materials for a behavior that persists because of the stimulation it produces: the sound of humming, the feel of rubbing fabric, the visual effect of flicking fingers. In technical behavior analytic terms this is automatic reinforcement. The label is convenient, but it can be misleading if people use it to explain away any repetitive or unusual behavior.
A behavior is not sensory-maintained just because of its form. Rocking or hand flapping can be maintained by attention or escape, and a behavior that looks social can be automatically reinforced. The function is identified through the supervisor's assessment, such as observing whether the behavior continues when the person is alone and across different conditions. Behavior that relieves discomfort, such as rubbing an ear during an ear infection, is automatic negative reinforcement, which is one reason possible medical causes should be considered.
Interventions for behavior with this function are designed by the supervisor and may include providing other activities that produce similar stimulation, enriching the environment, differential reinforcement, teaching the client to request preferred sensory activities, and in some cases sensory extinction. Blocking or masking the sensory consequence is used only as written in the plan.
On the exam, "sensory" and "automatic" usually point to the same function. The key feature in a scenario is that the behavior is not maintained by another person's response.
Example and non-example
| Example | A client rubs the textured edge of a table, both when working with an RBT and during free time alone. The behavior does not change when adults react or when demands are removed. |
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| Non-example | A client makes loud repetitive noises mostly when adults are nearby, and the noises stop when an adult comes over to talk. The behavior looks repetitive, but the pattern points to an attention function, not a sensory one. |
Don't confuse it with
| Automatic reinforcement | Automatic reinforcement is the technical term; sensory function is an everyday label that usually means the same thing. |
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| Escape function | An escape function means the behavior removes a demand or situation, while a sensory function means the behavior's own sensory product maintains it. |
Test yourself
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Question 1In a group home, an adult often rocks and hums. Staff observe the same rate when the adult is alone in their room and when someone is with them, and no one responds to the rocking. Which function does this pattern suggest?
Show answer
B: Automatic reinforcement. The behavior occurs at similar rates with or without other people and produces no social consequence, which suggests the behavior is reinforced by the sensation it produces.
- A: No one responds to the rocking, and it happens just as often when alone.
- C: No demands are present when the rocking occurs.
- D: No item is withheld or delivered after the rocking.
Task D.1 · 40-hour curriculum section A
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Question 2Which consequence is an example of automatic reinforcement?
Show answer
C: The sight of fingers flicking in front of the eyes. Automatic reinforcement is produced directly by the behavior itself, such as the visual sensation created by flicking fingers.
- A: A peer's laughter is attention from another person, a social consequence.
- B: A break given by a teacher is social negative reinforcement.
- D: A snack given by a caregiver is social positive reinforcement.
Task D.1 · 40-hour curriculum section A
Answer every question to see your score.
On the RBT exam
This term belongs to task D.1 Functions of behavior in content area D, Behavior Reduction, which is 14 of the 75 scored questions.