Functional behavior assessment (FBA)

A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a structured way to find out why a behavior happens. It looks at the purpose the behavior serves for your child. It also looks at when the behavior happens and when it doesn't. The goal is a plan with positive supports that help reduce the behavior. In applied behavior analysis (ABA), a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs the FBA.

An FBA can include interviews and rating scales. It can also include watching the behavior and writing down what happens before and after it. Sometimes the team runs a functional analysis, which means changing conditions on purpose while watching the behavior. The BCBA should then sum up the steps and results in writing. At school, federal special education rules require an FBA in some discipline situations.

You'll likely answer questions about when the behavior happens, what comes before it and what follows. Someone on the team may also watch your child and take notes. The BCBA then writes up what the behavior seems to get your child. Those findings lead to a behavior intervention plan (BIP).

• Which methods you'll use: Ask whether the FBA will include interviews, observation or a functional analysis.
• The written summary: Ask for a copy of the written results when the FBA is finished.
• The next step: Ask how the findings will shape your child's BIP, including for safety concerns like bolting or wandering off.