Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) aim to clearly identify what problem behaviors a client is engaging in that may be impacting their ability to be fully included with their family, peers, and/or in school. These assessments determine the purpose the behavior is serving the client, or what the client is trying to ultimately communicate to others by engaging in problematic behaviors. This is done largely through observation and interview as behavior assessment is firmly rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis which looks at what is going on in the environment to determine the purpose of behaviors and how to then modify them. FBAs can be performed for clients at home or school. Assessment, Consultation & Treatment is a nonpublic agency certified in the State of California.

Many families seek out Functional Behavior Assessment in hope of getting their child to stop engaging in problem behaviors. These problem behaviors can include biting siblings or peers, other forms of aggression, tantrums, causing harm to themselves (biting or hitting themselves, picking and skin raking), repetitive behaviors, etc. Often times these behaviors have brought harm to the client or others, have brought negative attention to the child such as being bullied or left out, or are interfering with the family’s ability to carry out everyday tasks (i.e., have meals together, go out into the community as a family) or the child’s ability to learn at school and be part of their classroom.

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) includes:

• Comprehensive review of previous reports and records from school, medical doctors and specialists
• Interview and review of the history of the problem behaviors and the current concerns of the family and child
• Administration of questionnaires about the problem behaviors, and the client’s preferences
• Interview and probing with the client to understand why they engage in problem behaviors
• Observation of the client in different environments where they may or may not engage in the problem behaviors (at home, in the community, at school, etc.)
• Consultation with those already providing services to the client (i.e., speech therapist, school teacher, psychologist, psychiatrist, medical doctor)
• Identification of the triggers and maintaining consequences of problem behaviors as well as replacement behaviors
• Full written report including background information, observations of the client, results of standardized tests, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations
• Development of a Behavior Support Plan/Behavior Intervention Plan
• Feedback session with family to review the findings within the written report and answer questions