Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a process for gathering information about the cause or "function" of challenging behavior that is used to develop efficient and effective behavioral interventions. Conducting sound Functional Behavioral Assessments not only represents an effective procedure for addressing challenging behavior, but is now legally mandated by federal legislation (IDEA Amendments of 1997). The functional assessment process includes the use of questionnaires, rating scales, behavioral observation and systematic environmental manipulation when appropriate (i.e., functional analysis, treatment analysis) to determine the underlying causes for mal-adaptive behavior.
The Functional Assessment Clinic provides thorough, empirically-sound Functional Behavioral Assessments. Functional Behavioral Assessments are conducted by trained professionals who are experts in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are experienced in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Depending on the referral concern(s), assessments may be conducted on site at the DDDC, in the school setting and/or at the individual's home. The outcome of the assessment includes:
- The identification and description of the target behavior
- The identification of antecedents that set the occasion for challenging behavior
- The identification of consequences that maintain challenging behavior
- Summary statements/hypotheses regarding the function of the target behavior
- A written report summarizing the results of the assessment and several function-based recommendations for treatment
- A meeting to discuss results and recommendations
- Follow up visits at home and/or school after 1, 3 and 6 months to monitor progress
- Support for writing Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
