Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a process that is used to discover the underlying function or purpose of a behavior, so that an effective behavior support plan can be developed. FBA consists of :

• Defining the interfering or problem behavior in objective and observable terms
• Identifying antecedent and consequent events that maintain the behavior
• Developing a hypothesis about the behavior, and testing the hypothesis

 

Data collection is an important part of the FBA process. Often, behavior analysts use functional communication training (FCT), differential reinforcement, preference assessments, response interruption/redirection, extinction, and stimulus control/environmental modification to address behaviors.