The "communicative intent" of a behavior is:

The communicative intent of a behavior refers to what the behavior or action conveys or communicates to others. Every behavior, especially in the context of support for individuals with different needs, often has a purpose or message behind it. For instance, when a person exhibits a specific behavior, they may be signaling a need, expressing a feeling, or attempting to connect with someone in their environment.

Understanding the communicative intent allows the support professional to interpret behaviors more effectively, fostering better responses and interventions. By recognizing that behaviors can be a form of communication, DSPs can address the underlying needs or emotions driving those behaviors rather than just the behaviors themselves.

Other options focus on different aspects of behavior. One option talks about the target of the behavior, while another considers the causation of behavior, and yet another addresses the cessation of a behavior. Each of these concepts is relevant in their own right but does not capture the essence of what the behavior communicates, which is central to understanding the communicative intent.