Describe the steps of a functional behavior assessment and state the purpose for using the type of evaluation?

Answer 1

FBA's specifically are purposed to discovering the causation of inappropriate behaviors in a certain setting. Usually they are performed in a school or work setting, but can be beneficial in any setting in which a child or young adult with disability may have difficulty (shopping, church, playground). They are best performed by a professional who is nonbiased (ie is not working in a school setting daily with the child) as their viewpoint is already set.

Primarily the FBA is looking for a behavioral antecedent, as well as looking at the responses of any adults or children in reaction to the behavior. For example, if an autistic child is targeting a specific child in a classroom, a psychologist would sit in the classroom, during different time periods throughout the day. She would probably follow the children to the playground, the cafeteria, library, etc. She would make notation of times and setttings for each incident, recording what happened right before, and each persons' (teacher, child, targeted child, class) response. Once that information is evaluated, then an effective behavioral response can be formed, so that everyone is safer, the child is being helped in a manner that suits his personality and disability.

An FBA is also a procedural safeguard, a child cannot be disciplined for something that is a manifestation of his disability, and everyone is disserviced by a school district that will not train it's professionals and the parents to help the child.

For example, my daughter was targeting one child in particular, it happened to be the girl who would cry at the drop of a hat. The cry was piercing and bothered my daughter. So it got to the point that every time my daughter was bothered, she would target that child. Finally I figured out the antecedent, and the reasoning behind my daughter's reaction, and we were able to make a social story explaining how people feel upset, and it's appropriate to use words, or go to the fountain for a drink, or ask for a break. I think it literally said "When I feel upset, sometimes I want to hit X. I will use my words instead, and tell my helper that I am upset. I can ask for a break..." anyway, Carol Gray's social stories are a good thing to google for info on that.
Good luck

Answer 2

The purpose of a functional behavioral assessment it to identify problem behaviors, analyze the cause of those behaviors, and plan an appropriate method of intervening to modify those problem behaviors.

The first part of the assessment is a through review of any records regarding the patient. Interviews with those who work with the patient are also helpful. Then an observation needs to take place. The patient should not be aware they are being observed or if possible, not know the identity of the observer. This will allow the patient to go about normal activities without being inhibited by the observation. Observations should take place in multiple settings, at different times, if at all possible.

Finally, a report should be compiled and used to decide a plan. This report should not only list target behaviors but also the individual's strengths. You cannot modify behavior by only discussing the negative. After the function of behavior is decided (what did the person want, not want, or is there other factors involved, such as hearing voices, etc.) a positive intervention plan should be developed. The best plans will give the honor the function of behavior. Not saying let them get away with something. I am saying help individual meet their desires in appropriate fashion with some rewarding experience coming from it. Negative intervention doesn't work nearly as well. We human beings respond better to positive things.

Answer 3

You obviously have a computer with net access. Google "functional behavioral assessment." You'll find tons of info. Its too long to answer here in detail. If you want the lay person's explanation for why its to identify and target problem behaviors (often but not always regarding the challenges of children with autism) like
bolting, hand flapping, tantruming, screaming, etc.

Answer 4

I once had a student who was meeting the goals of the IEP but as the teacher, I felt the parent was "babying" him by dressing,feeding etc. When the functional assessment was done which included many self-help skills, it was clear that he was in fact dependent on an adult to do everything for him. That was the data needed to begin writing new goals and he did learn to become much more independent.
Currently I have a student who is MIMR but rates very high in self-help, so his IEP is more academic.

Answer 5

Feivel, as usual, gives a thorough and balanced answer (and beats me to it!). You'll find a wide variety here. Thoughtful, respectful people who carry on serious and tolerant discussions. Trolls who come to harass and provoke. Intolerant people. Supremacists who believe theirs is the only true religion and can't tolerate or respect other faiths. Just like in real life...

Answer 6

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