Functional Behavior Assessment
A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a process in which you observe the individual and take data in order to find out why the person is engaging in the behavior. Since it is thought that all behavior is a communicative act and all behavior is purposeful, the theory behind a functional behavior assessment is that the behavior serves a function for that person. By conducting a functional behavior assessment, you try to identify the function that the behavior serves (i.e.why is the person doing this behavior?) In order to come up with a plan that works, you must first correctly identify the function .
Functional behavioral assessments take time to complete because you need to observe the individual and you need to ask many questions to find out if there are any patterns in the person’s behavior. For example, do they engage in the behavior with one person, but not another, or does the behavior only happen in the AM, etc. These observations, when written down (data collected) can sometimes help to identify a pattern of behavior, hence, offering an idea of the function that behavior serves for that person.
When conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) several assessment tools may be used. Data collection sheets of various styles, direct observation, interviews, and questioning of the adults who work closely with the person, are a few.
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[...] Autism Classroom Resources is full of …. RESOURCES!! It’s a treasure trove for parents and teachers. It has a great section on Functional Behavior Analysis, with what to do from beginning to end. Sometimes it’s easy to identify a target behavior, but trying to figure out the reason for it isn’t always so clear. This article can help with that, as well as with how to develop positive supports. It might seem like a long-drawn-out process, but even if it takes a few weeks, it’s worth it. After all, if nothing is done, those few weeks will still pass by! It would be better to have a plan than to still be wringing your hands in frustration! [...]