Functional Behaviour Assessments

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Functional Behaviour Assessments

A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a systematic process for understanding problem behaviour and the factors that contribute to its occurrence and maintenance (Horner, 1994; O’Neill et al., 1997; Repp, 1994; Sugai et al., 2000).

The information collected for a Functional Behaviour Assessment is used to develop an individualised and comprehensive behaviour support plan. Strategies in a behaviour support plan that are built upon the identified functions of behaviour from the FBA have increased efficiency and effectiveness. (Horner, 1994; O’Neill et al., 1997; Sugai, Horner, & Sprague, 1999; Sugai, Lewis-Palmer, & Hagan, 1998).

All behaviour consulting family group photo

The goal of the FBA is:

Identify the problem behaviour(s).
Identify the antecedents or events that predict when the behaviour is likely to occur.
Identify the maintaining consequences or events that increase the likelihood of the behaviour happening in the future.
Identify the setting events or factors that make the problem worse.

Why do a Functional Behaviour Assessment?

The primary reason for conducting FBAs is to improve our understanding of the problem behavior and guide the development of effective, efficient, and relevant Behaviour Support Plans (Horner, 1994; O’Neill et al., 1997; Repp, 1994; Sugai et al., 1999).

The FBA provides the basis for selecting specific and individualised behavioural strategies.

Functional Behaviour Assessments

Why do a Functional Behaviour Assessment?

We are able to conduct Functional Behaviour Assessments in all settings to determine the function of challenging behaviours.