Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
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A functional behavior assessment is a process that examines a person’s behaviors in the naturally occurring environment. Specifically, we’re interested in what is happening right before (the antecedent) and after (the consequence) a behavior occurs. By observing the behaviors, antecedents and consequences, we can hypothesize the function of the behavior— why the person behaves this way. An FBA draws information from direct observations, and indirect measures, such as questionnaires and interviews.
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Through an FBA, we get a clearer picture of how these behaviors serve the person. From there, we develop a function-based approach to managing behavior.
Here is a hypothetical example: A child engages in tantrum behaviors throughout the day. Through the FBA, we determine that the screaming occurs most frequently when someone asks the child to do something, and after the child screams, the adult tells the child to take a break in another room. In this example, the screaming is an excellent way for the child to avoid doing what is asked. Now that we have that information, we can teach the child a more functional way to ask for a break from the demand, or even help to complete the task.
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You will get a formal report that includes all of the following information. This document and the information it contains will be yours to share with anyone you’d like, including teachers and school teams, medical staff and other service providers.
The purpose of the assessment
Written narratives of all observations
Analysis of all indirect assessment tools
Analysis of all target behavior data collected during observations
Hypothesized functions of target behaviors
Recommendations for intervention