Understand the 'why' before choosing the 'how'.
A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) helps identify possible reasons for a specific behavior so a BCBA can make informed recommendations. It is distinct from a broader initial ABA assessment.
Every behavior communicates something.
Before we can help a child change a challenging behavior, we need to understand what it's doing for them. FBAs use direct observation, interviews, and data analysis to answer that question with rigor and empathy.
- Direct observation across settings and time of day
- Structured caregiver and teacher interviews
- Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) data analysis
- Written report with clear, actionable findings
What families often notice.
Root-cause clarity
Move past guesswork toward a clear understanding of what a behavior may be communicating.
Data-informed decisions
Recommendations are grounded in direct observation and analysis.
Foundation for intervention
The FBA informs an individualized Behavior Intervention Plan built for your child.
Whole-team alignment
Parents, teachers, and therapists work from a shared understanding of the behavior.
Ethical, compassionate
We assume competence and dignity in every child. Never punitive, always curious.
Documentation ready
Reports follow standards used by schools, insurers, and IEP teams.
What the first few steps look like.
- 01
Intake & records
We gather history, prior assessments, and your top concerns.
- 02
Interviews
Structured conversations with caregivers and, when relevant, teachers.
- 03
Direct observation
Your BCBA observes in the environments where behaviors occur.
- 04
Report & review
Written findings, hypothesized function, and next-step recommendations.
Common questions.
Don't see your question? Call or message our team and we'll walk you through it.
Start with understanding.
A thorough FBA is an important foundation for changing challenging behavior. Reach out and we'll talk through next steps.