What is best practice for updating graphs and collecting data during the day?

• A. Record behavior data immediately, even at risk to welfare or safety, and update at the same time
• B. Try your best to estimate the client's behavior and record your best estimate at the end of the session
• C. Charts should be updated at least weekly, and you should record data when you can while ensuring the welfare and safety of you and your client
• D. Data should be recorded weekly, and graphs should be generated at least monthly

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to keep data current and usable for decision making while always prioritizing welfare and safety. The best practice is to record data as you observe it whenever possible during the day and update the graphs regularly, at least on a weekly basis. This approach maintains accuracy and allows you to monitor progress and adjust plans in a timely way without compromising safety.

Choosing to record data immediately at any cost to welfare or safety is inappropriate, because welfare and safety always come first. Relying on best guesses or estimates at the end of a session reduces data accuracy. Waiting too long to update—weekly or monthly data with infrequent graph updates—limits your ability to see trends and respond promptly.