Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)

What is it?

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A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a comprehensive, data-driven process used to understand the purpose or function of behaviors that may interfere with learning, communication, independence, or quality of life. This process is summed up a lengthy report delivered to the family, service agency, or school district personally in a meeting or digitally.

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Who completes it?

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Conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), an FBA goes beyond identifying what a behavior looks like—it identifies why the behavior is occurring and what skills can be developed to better support the individual. Other professionals may also complete FBAs provided they have the training and knowledge. These can include Licensed School Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Behavior Specialists.

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Why hire a BCBA?

 

BCBAs are specifically trained in identifying functions (or causes) of behavior. We look at environmental factors such as settings, supporting people, curricular expectations, and formal assessment expectations to identify specifically where pressures are coming from and how to break down difficult tasks into manageable pieces. BCBAs are excellent for completing FBAs when the individual is in social and/or group settings and/or home environments. This is because behavior change procedures must occur within environmental settings. If we want the flower to grow, we must fix the soil, water, and sunlight right?

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What are the pieces of an FBA?

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An FBA is grounded in applied behavior analytic principles and is based on multiple sources of information, including:

• Direct observations across relevant settings (home, school, clinic, or community)

  • We specifically look for antecedents, target behaviors, and consequences. Then we look at how various pressures around a person influences their decision and/or reactions.​

• Systematic data collection and analysis to identify patterns and environmental variable

• Indirect assessments, such as structured interviews, rating scales, and record reviews

  • These often include assessments such as the Vineland and/or BASC-SOS, MAS-II, FAST-2, and other indirect means of creating a whole picture.

• Collaboration with caregivers, teachers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s strengths and needs.

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Tell me more about A-B-C's.

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Through this process, the BCBA analyzes antecedents (what happens before a behavior), the behavior itself, and consequences (what happens after), in order to determine the function the behavior serves—such as gaining access to attention, tangible items, sensory input, or escaping/avoiding certain demands or situations.

It is vitally important to remember that a consequence does not equate to a punishment. Those are two entirely separate terms. Consequence simply means what comes after the behavior. If I did my work well, my boss might put a bonus on my check. The consequence of working well would be a positive reinforcement. We get scared of using the term punishment because it seems aversive. However, formal behavior procedures are based on and deeply rooted in accurate definitions. We call things for what they are so one does not misinterpret interventions. Reinforcements are for behaviors we want to continue or increase. Punishments are for behaviors we want to stop or decrease.

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Skill Acquisition

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Importantly, an FBA does not focus solely on reducing challenging behavior. It also identifies:

• Skill deficits that may be contributing to the behavior (e.g., communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, executive functioning)

• Environmental factors that may be influencing behavior

• Strengths that can be leveraged to support positive outcomes

 

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Outcomes​

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The outcome of a Functional Behavior Assessment includes clear, individualized recommendations that may involve:

• Teaching functional communication and replacement skills

• Building adaptive, social, and self-regulation skills

• Modifying environmental variables to promote success

• Developing proactive and reactive support strategies

• Creating measurable goals for a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), when appropriate

All recommendations are practical, evidence-based, and designed to support meaningful progress while respecting the dignity and individuality of the client.

A well-conducted FBA provides the foundation for effective, compassionate intervention. By understanding behavior within its context and focusing on skill development, collaboration, and data-based decision-making, the assessment ensures that supports are tailored to promote long-term independence and improved quality of life.