Definition
Behavior Cusps are pivotal behavior changes that go beyond just the behavior itself, as they provide the individual with access to new environments, reinforcers, or learning opportunities, leading to significant and far-reaching consequences in their development and interaction with the world.
Example
Learning to read is a behavior cusp. Once a child learns to read, it opens up the ability to engage with books, instructions, signs, and other written materials, leading to new learning opportunities and access to a wide range of academic and social activities. The ability to read fundamentally alters the child’s interaction with the world, providing access to new environments and reinforcers that were previously unavailable.