POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT PLLC
Functional Behavior Assessments
FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENTS
FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENTS
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) often begins with a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), which is used to discover the function—or purpose—of specific behaviors of a child with autism. The results of the FBA inform the creation of a treatment plan to target specific problem behaviors.
As soon as the function of a behavior can be identified, interventions can be designed that will seek to reduce the frequency of problem behaviors and coach the child in replacement behaviors that can accomplish the same functions, or similar functions, in a more appropriate way.
There is a wide variety of functions at the root of problem behaviors. These may include but are not limited to:
● Gaining attention
● Avoiding something
● Seeking access to preferred items or activities
● Sensory input (seeking or avoiding)
Determining a behavior’s function is critical for creating an effective treatment plan. Because a behavior can have different functions, interventions are based on the function of the behavior and not the behavior itself. For example, the single behavior of screaming can serve numerous functions (e.g. to get attention or a tangible item, to avoid a task, or even to enjoy the sound or sensation they create by screaming). A different intervention would be necessary for each function to be successful.
The objectives of a Functional Behavior Assessment include:
● Identification and definition of challenging behaviors
● Determination of the function of those behaviors
● Identification of times, scenarios, and environments in which the behaviors do and do not occur
● Identification of reinforcers that have been perpetuating the undesirable behaviors
● Determination of appropriate replacement behaviors
● Creation of a treatment plan with specific goals
These objectives are met through a detailed analysis by our professionals. Components of an FBA may include direct observation, interviews, and indirect assessment of records, rating scales, and questionnaires. Pattern analysis, sequence analysis, and/or conditional probability analysis may also be employed to complete the assessment. Working in tandem, these components provide the most detailed picture of the child, the environment, and the problem behaviors and set the stage for the most effective Applied Behavior Analysis therapy treatment plan.