Problem: The student engages in off-task and possibly distracting behavior.

Medical Possibility: Medication Interactions.

Step 1: Organize observations relevant to the problematic behavior/issue

• Who is reporting the problem?
• When does it occur? (Include time of day, activities etc).
• Where does it occur?
• What tends to precede the problematic behavior/issue?
• What tends to follow the problematic behavior/issue?
• What is the age and functioning level of the student?
• Previous documentation/charts?

Step 2: Identify possible contributors to the problematic behavior/issue

Medication interactions: Some students may engage in distracting behavior in the classroom as a result of medication interactions.

Relevant observations: The behavior may have begun when additional medications were added to the student’s regimen. The behavior may occur when prescriptions are taken at the same time or when it is nearing the time that the next dose of medication is due.

Useful experiments:

1. Observe and record the frequency and/or the intensity of the targeted behavior when both medications are given.
2. Under medical supervision, observe and record the frequency and/or the intensity of the behavior when only one of the medications is given.
3. Systematically compare results; if the off-task behavior decreases when only one medication is given, then medication interactions may be one of the contributing factors to the problem behavior.

Possible referrals: Physician who prescribed the medication for medication assessment.