What are Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Support Plans?
When your child has significant behavior problems, it is important to understand fully the function these behaviors play and what can be done to address them. A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a multi-step process that enables the school team and your family to address problem behaviors that you want to change. Steps in an FBA include • identifying the problem behaviors that need to be changed • gathering information from a variety of sources (including families) about why, when and where the behavior occurs, using methods such as observations, interviews, education records • developing a hypothesis about why problem behaviors are happening. This is a best guess that takes into account the settings in which the behaviors are most likely and least likely to occur. • identifying appropriate behaviors to teach the child that will replace inappropriate behaviors • developing and implementing a Behavior Support Plan (BSP) that includes positive steps for changing problem behaviors •
