Functional behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a critical tool used in understanding and addressing behaviours of concern (challenging behaviours), particularly in home, learning and community settings.
Sometimes we can attempt to manage behaviour and develop intervention plans without first conducting an FBA but there are many benefits of a functional behaviour analysis / assessment process over and above alternative methods and not conducting one at all. In this article we discuss the benefits of conducting a functional behavioural assessment in schools.
Benefits of a Functional Behaviour Assessment Over Not Conducting one at all.
When attempting to manage a student's behaviour in a learning environment a behaviour intervention plan is a reliable tool but in order to develop one, the functional behavioural assessment is an essential first step.
Informed Interventions
Without an assessment, interventions are based on assumptions which may not be accurate, leading to ineffective or even harmful strategies.
Functional behaviour assessments ensure assumptions are avoided all together through an evidence-based and systematic assessment process of collecting and analysing information from various sources that helps to gain insights into the factors contributing the behaviour and identify why a behaviour is occurring i.e., the “function/s” of the behaviour.
The direct assessment allows for gathering information so we can write an effective Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP). The PBSP involves utilising a person-centred and strength-based approach to address the needs of the individual, the underlying causes of behaviours of concern and overall quality of life.
Whenever we are trying to manage disruptive behaviours, a direct assessment of that challenging behaviour helps ensure resources are optimised quickly and efficiently. The functional behavioural assessment is the best way to plan and prepare for an early intervention of a particular behaviour so that time and resources are not wasted missing the target behaviour.
Comprehensive Understanding
The functional behavioural assessment is your chance to take a step back out of the situation for some direct observation of what's actually going on. This enables you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the student's behaviour in context considering the environmental, social and emotional factors.
The direct assessment is usually carried out as well by school staff, parents and carers (if appropriate) as well sometimes a behavioural specialist or school psychologist. Obtaining observations and data about the student's behaviour from all of these perspectives, at different times of the day and in different settings gives a much more detailed understanding of the particular behaviour you are trying to address.
Professional and Ethical Responsibility
Conducting a functional behaviour assessment is considered a best practice in many professional guidelines and this helps ensure that ethical standards are met. Particularly in a learning environment (be it early years, elementary school, college or a special education) accountability is important. The functional behavioural assessment gives a clear, well documented process for understanding and addressing challenging behaviours, which is important for accountability and transparency.
Functional behaviour assessment versus alternative methods
Any Functional behaviour assessment is a very comprehensive assessment process that isn't really rivalled in a methodological sense. However, three methods for managing behavioural problems that are used in schools (but are not necessarily) very effective are:
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Anecdotal observation
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Checklists and rating scales
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Trial and error interventions
These methods are not as effective as a complete functional behavioural assessment and here's why.
Anecdotal Observation
Relying on hearsay, oral stories and anecdotes can introduce uncertainty and subjective bias. A functional behavioural assessment provides more structure than this. Observations in the context of a functional behavioural assessment capture the full context or function of a student's behaviour in a consistent way over a period of time. This enables the observations to result in a more balanced and much more reliable data source than a 'he said, she said' scenario.
Checklists and Rating Scales
Checklists and rating scales are common tools used to assess and monitor student's behaviour, particularly in educational and clinical settings. These tools offer a structured way to record the presence, frequency, and severity of behaviours but have limitations when compared to a Functional behavioural Assessment (FBA).
Behaviour checklists such as the Conner's Teacher Rating Scale offer a checklist of specific problem behaviours or symptoms that an individual may exhibit. Teachers, parents, or clinicians observe the individual and check off behaviours as they occur.
They are typically used to screen for behavioural problems, track changes over time, or support diagnostic processes. The observer marks the presence or absence of specific problem behaviours during a given period.
The main limitation of the checklist method is that no attempt is made to gather information that sheds light on the antecedent events (what happens before the target behaviour occurs) and the consequences (what happens after the target behaviour) that maintain it.
This does not allow for function based intervention when attempting to address the disruptive behaviours.
The checklists are also quite generalised offering a broad overview of behaviour patterns without the specificity needed to tailor interventions to individual needs. A functional behavioural assessment offers detailed, individualised data that can pinpoint specific triggers and functions of behaviour, leading to more precise and effective intervention strategies.
Trial and Error Interventions
Trial and error is probably how most of us look for desired behaviours and certainly often how students learn. However, particularly in education and clinical settings, trial and error is terribly inefficient and prone to lots of error that can cause harm.
Functional behavioural assessment offers a structured approach that enable you to reach the desired outcome for a particular behaviour as quickly and kindly as possible.
The main benefits of Functional behavioural assessment
Having considered the consequences of not doing a functional behavioural assessment and some of the less effective alternatives, let us put plainly the main benefits of functional behavioural assessment.
FBAs are highly regarded by behaviour analysts in education and clinical settings and are well evidenced at helping increase desired behaviours.
Individualised Understanding
Targeted Interventions: Functional behavioural assessment provides a detailed understanding of the specific reasons behind a behaviour, which allows for tailored interventions that address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
Functional Hypotheses: FBAs generate hypotheses about the functions that a behaviour serves for an individual, which can be crucial for developing effective strategies.
Data-Driven Decisions
Objective Data Collection: FBAs rely on systematic observation and data collection, ensuring that decisions are based on concrete evidence rather than subjective interpretations.
Progress Monitoring: The data collected can be used to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments.
Prevention and Reduction of Challenging behaviours
Proactive Strategies: By understanding the triggers and functions of behaviours, FBAs help in designing proactive strategies to prevent challenging behaviours before they occur.
Reduction of Punitive Measures: Effective use of FBAs reduces the reliance on punitive measures, leading to more positive behaviour support.
Collaboration and Consistency
Team Approach: FBAs often involve collaboration among teachers, parents, and specialists, fostering a team approach to behaviour management.
Consistency Across Settings: It ensures consistency in how behaviours are addressed across different settings (e.g., home, school and community).
In summary, conducting a Functional behaviour Assessment offers a structured, evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing challenging behaviours, leading to more effective and ethical interventions compared to other methods or no assessment at all. These supports can lead to significant improvements in student behaviour, academic performance, and overall school climate. It empowers educators, supports students, and involves families in a collaborative approach to education.
