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FBA Protocol

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) protocol for identifying the function of challenging behaviors.

Session Schedule

SessionDurationObjectives
11 hourMeet family, consent, initial parent interview, QABF
21-1.5 hoursCollect ABC data, direct observation, skill assessment
31-1.5 hoursComplete observation and parent interview
41-2.5 hoursBrief Functional Analysis
Write-up6 hoursRecords review and report writing

Session 1: Initial Meeting

Objectives

  • Meet family
  • Sign consent form
  • Conduct initial parent interview
  • Complete QABF for each referral behavior

Parent Interview Topics

  • What referral behaviors look like
  • When behaviors occur
  • Approximate frequency
  • Antecedents (who is present, what happens before)
  • Possible functions
  • Child’s strengths and weaknesses/skill deficits

Materials

  • QABF (Questions About Behavioral Function) - one per referral behavior
  • Consent forms
  • ABC data sheets to give to parents

Session 2: Data Collection & Observation

Objectives

  • Collect parent’s ABC data
  • Finish QABF if incomplete
  • Direct observation of referral behaviors

Observation Areas

Document the following:

  • ABC data (via sheet and/or anecdotal notes)
  • Frequency data
  • Partial interval data
  • Specific SDs/activities that trigger behaviors

Skill Assessment

  • Receptive language
  • Expressive language (e.g., answering Y/N)
  • Learning readiness
  • Self-care: feeding, toileting, dressing/hygiene
  • Mobility
  • Strengths and deficits

Session 3: Complete Observation

Objectives

  • Continue collecting parent’s ABC data
  • Complete direct observation and parent interview
  • See Session 2 observation areas

Session 4: Brief Functional Analysis

Structure

  • 3-minute conditions
  • 4-5 total conditions (TANG optional)
  • 3 repetitions of each condition
  • Total 3-minute sessions: 12-15

Conditions

Standard FA conditions may include:

  • Attention
  • Escape/Demand
  • Tangible (optional)
  • Alone/Ignore
  • Control/Play

Parent Training

If behavior does not occur in therapist’s presence, train parents how to implement the functional analysis.

Write-Up Phase

Billable Time

Can bill for 6 hours (typically takes longer)

Records to Review

  • IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
  • IEP (Individualized Education Program)
  • Multidisciplinary assessment report from school district
  • Medical records
  • Behavior Service Referral Form
  • Past Progress/Transition Reports

Report Components

  • Background information
  • Assessment methods
  • Operational definitions of behaviors
  • ABC data summary
  • QABF results
  • Direct observation findings
  • Functional analysis results
  • Hypothesized function(s)
  • Recommendations

Assessment Forms

Located in SharePoint Assessments_Eval Paperwork/FBA Folder (FAST,QABF)/:

  • FAST (Functional Assessment Screening Tool)
  • QABF (Questions About Behavioral Function)
  • FBA Protocol template