What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a structured way of finding out why a behaviour happens. It looks at the situations in which the behaviour occurs, what happens before and after it, and wider factors such as communication, health, routine and environment, and produces a working explanation that guides a practical support plan.
The point is not to label the behaviour but to understand it well enough to help. When you know what a behaviour achieves for a child, whether that is escape from something overwhelming, getting attention, getting something they want, or relief from discomfort, you can change the situation and teach a better way to meet the same need.
When is an FBA useful?
- Behaviour is causing risk to the child or others, such as aggression or self-injury.
- Strategies have been tried but nothing has lasted.
- Home and school see very different behaviour.
- A school, local authority or EHCP process needs clear behavioural evidence.
- A behaviour support plan or ABA programme needs a sound starting point.
What information is gathered?
The detail depends on the concern and the setting. An assessment may include:
Interviews
With parents, teachers, support staff and, where possible, the child or young person themselves.
Direct observation
At home, at school or in the community, at the times when difficulties are most and least likely.
Records and data
ABC (antecedent, behaviour, consequence) records, frequency data, incident logs and existing reports.
Wider context
Communication, sleep, health, sensory needs, changes in routine and relationships, within Pooja’s scope.
ABC records can be very useful, but an ABC form on its own is not a complete assessment. More complex situations need a wider view, and sometimes input from other professionals.
Does every behaviour have one function?
No. The same behaviour can serve different purposes in different situations, and several influences can combine. Needs also change with health, relationships and time. Reducing every behaviour to one of four labels risks missing what actually matters for the child.
That is why a good assessment states its evidence and its limits clearly, and why the resulting plan says what will be observed so the explanation can be checked.
What will you receive?
The exact contents depend on the scope agreed with you before the assessment starts. A written assessment usually includes:
- A clear description of the behaviour and when it happens.
- The evidence gathered, and any limits to it.
- A working formulation: the best current explanation of what is influencing the behaviour.
- Practical recommendations: changes to the environment, communication support, skills to teach and how to respond.
- A behaviour support plan, where agreed, and what will be recorded to review it.
The value of an FBA is in the practical changes it makes possible, and in checking whether those changes help. Pooja can support you and school staff to put the recommendations into practice and review them.
How long does an assessment take?
It depends on the complexity and risk of the situation and on how much information already exists. A focused assessment for one behaviour at home is a different piece of work from a multi-setting assessment for an EHCP. Pooja will explain what is needed and agree the scope and fee with you before starting.