NDIS Recognised Developmental Educators, Dedicated ASD Practitioners. Central Coast and Online. Assessment and Support.
Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA*)
When a behaviour is harmful or challenging a neurodiverse person is trying to tell you something. All behaviour is communication. An FBA asks what a person's behaviour is trying to communicate about their needs and wants.
A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a structured clinical assessment that systematically gathers information about a specific behaviour — when it happens, what happens before it, what happens after it, and what function it serves for the person doing it.
For autistic people and people with intellectual disability, many behaviours labelled as 'challenging' or 'of concern' are communicative responses to environments, relationships, or situations that do not yet meet their needs. Understanding the function of a behaviour is the foundation for changing the conditions around it — not the person.
When is an FBA appropriate?
- Behaviours causing distress or reducing quality of life
- Behaviours affecting relationships with family or carers
- Restricted participation in community or employment
- As a precursor to a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)
The Functional Behavioural Assessment process
- Information gathering through structured interviews
- Direct observation in the participant's environment
- Hypothesis development regarding behavior function
- Full report with practical, evidence-based strategy recommendations
*Important note: PBSÂ
We do not hold Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioner registration and do not write or implement Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) under the NDIS framework. Our assessments can provide a clinical picture and detailed recommendations that can inform a BSP developed by a registered practitioner.