The initial Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a critical clinical roadmap used to understand the “why” behind a child’s behaviors. Conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), the process moves beyond simply labeling actions to identifying their underlying causes.

The assessment typically includes the following phases:

1. Indirect Assessment: The BCBA gathers contextual information through structured interviews and questionnaires with parents, teachers, and other key adults. This helps identify if a behavior is being used to gain attention, avoid a task, or meet a sensory need.
2. Direct Observation: The BCBA observes the child in their natural environment using the ABC recording framework. They meticulously document the Antecedent (what happened before), the Behavior, and the Consequence (what happened after) to identify objective patterns.
3. Functional Analysis: In some cases, the BCBA may perform a controlled evaluation, systematically altering the environment to test and confirm the primary function of a behavior.
4. Development of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP): Once the data is analyzed, it is used to create a personalized BIP. This plan includes positive, skill-building strategies designed to teach the child safer and more effective ways to communicate their needs.

This evidence-based process ensures that the resulting therapy plan is customized to the child’s unique needs from day one.

• ABA Therapy Intake Process: Fast Enrollment in Charlotte