National Professional Development Center on

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Module: Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Evidence-Based Practice Brief: Functional Behavior

Assessment (FBA)

This evidence-based practice brief on FBA includes the following components:

1. Overview, which gives a quick summary of salient features of the

practice, including what it is, who it can be used with, what skills it has
been used with, settings for instruction, and additional literature
documenting its use in practice
2. Steps for Implementation, detailing how to implement the practice in a
practitioner-friendly, step-by-step process
3. Implementation Checklist, to be used to monitor fidelity of the use of the
practice
4. Evidence Base Summary, which details the NPDC-ASD criteria for
inclusion as an evidence-based practice and the specific studies that
meet the criteria for this practice

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Overview of Functional Behavior Assessment

Collet-Klingenberg, L. (2008). Overview of functional behavior assessment. Madison, WI: The
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Waisman
Center, The University of Wisconsin.

Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a systematic set of strategies that is used to

determine the underlying function or purpose of a behavior, so that an effective intervention plan
can be developed. FBA consists of describing the interfering or problem behavior, identifying
antecedent or consequent events that control the behavior, developing a hypothesis of the
behavior, and testing the hypothesis. Data collection is an important part of the FBA process.
Often, teachers/practitioners use functional communication training (FCT), differential
reinforcement, response interruption/redirection, extinction, and stimulus control/environmental
modification to address these behaviors in learners with ASD.

Evidence

FBA meets evidence-based criteria with five single-subject and one group design studies across
ages, as well as in the domains of behavior and communication.

With what ages is FBA effective?

According to the evidence-based studies, learners with ASD ranged in age from 3 to 15 years
with the majority of studies showing the effectiveness of functional behavior assessment with
elementary age learners.

What skills or intervention goals can be addressed by FBA?

FBA targets skills in the domains of behavior and communication, usually with a focus of
decreasing inappropriate behavior and teaching or increasing appropriate communicative
alternatives. The studies in the evidence base targeted behaviors described as severe,
stereotypical, disruptive, escape-motivated, rejecting, and leading. Replacement skills included
more appropriate forms of communication such as signing, pointing, talking, and the use of
alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices.

In what settings can FBA be effectively used?

In the evidence base, functional behavior assessment procedures were implemented in a

variety of home, school, and community settings.

Evidence Base

The studies cited in this section document that this practice meets the NPDC on ASD’s criteria
for an evidence-based practice. This list is not exhaustive; other quality studies may exist that
were not included.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Preschool

Mancil, G.R., Conroy, M.A., Nakao, T., & Alter, P.J. (2006). Functional communication training
in the natural environment: A pilot investigation with a young child with autism spectrum
disorder. Education and Treatment of Children, 29(4), 615-633.

Elementary

Buckley, S., & Newchok, D. (2005). Differential impact of response effort within a response
chain on use of mands in a student with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities,
26(1), 77-85.

LaBelle, C., & Charlop-Christy, M. (2002). Individualizing functional analysis to assess multiple
and changing functions of severe behavior problems in children with autism. Journal of
Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(4), 231-241.

Lucyshyn J. M., Albin, R. W., Horner, R. H., Mann, J. C., Mann, J. A., & Wadsworth, G. (2007).
Family implementation of positive behavior support for a child with autism: Longitudinal,
single-case, experimental, and descriptive replication and extension. Journal of Positive
Behavior Interventions, 9(3), 131-150.

Middle/High School

Butler, L. R., & Luiselli, J. K. (2007). Escape-maintained problem behavior in a child with autism:
Antecedent functional analysis and intervention evaluation of non-contingent escape and
instructional fading. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 9(4), 195-202.

Selected Additional References

Asmus, J. M., Franzese, J. C., Conroy, M. A., & Dozier, C. L. (2003). Clarifying functional
analysis outcomes for disruptive behaviors by controlling consequence delivery for
stereotypy. School Psychology Review, 32(4), 624-630.

Aspy, R., & Grossman, B. G. (2007). The ziggurat model. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism
Asperger Publishing Company.

Bregman, J. D., Zager, D., & Gerdtz, J. (2005). Behavioral interventions. In F. R. Volkmar, R.
Paul, A. Klin, & D. Cohen (Eds.), Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental
disorder, 3rd ed. (pp. 897-924). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Carr, E. G., Horner, R. H., Turnbull, A. P., Marquis, J. G., McLaughlin, D. M., McAtee, M. L., et
al., (1999). Positive behavior support for people with developmental disabilities: A
research synthesis. Washington, DC: American Association on Mental Retardation.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Drasgow, E., Halle, J. W., Ostrosky, M. M., & Harbers, H. M. (1996). Using behavior indication
and functional communication training to establish an initial sign repertoire with a young
child with severe disabilities. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 16, 500-521.

Fox, L., Dunlap, G., & Buschbacher, P. (2000). Understanding and intervening with children’s
interfering behavior: A comprehensive approach. In A. M. Wetherby & B. M. Prizant
(Eds.), Autism spectrum disorders: A transactional developmental perspective, Volume 9
(pp. 307-332). Baltimore: Brookes Publishing Company.

Henry, S., & Myles, B. S. (2007). The comprehensive autism planning system (CAPS) for
individuals with Asperger’s syndrome, autism, and related disabilities: Integrating best
practices throughout the student’s day. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger
Publishing Company.

Koegel, L. K., Stiebel, D., & Koegel, R. L. (1998). Reducing aggression in children with autism
toward infant or toddler siblings. The Journal of Association for Persons with Severe
Handicaps, 23(2), 111-118.

Martin, C. A., Drasgow, E., Halle, J. W., & Brucker, J. M. (2005). Teaching a child with autism
and severe language delays to reject: Direct and indirect effects of functional
communication training. Educational Psychology, 25(2&3), 287-304.

National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

http://www.pbis.org

O’Neill, R. E., & Sweetland-Baker, M. (2001). Brief report: An assessment of stimulus

generalization and contingency effects in functional communication training with two
students with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(2), 235-240.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Evidence Base for Functional Behavior Assessment

The National Professional Development Center on ASD has adopted the following definition of
evidence-based practices.

To be considered an evidence-based practice for individuals with ASD, efficacy must be

established through peer-reviewed research in scientific journals using:

randomized or quasi-experimental design studies. Two high quality experimental or

quasi-experimental group design studies,
single-subject design studies. Three different investigators or research groups must
have conducted five high quality single subject design studies, or
combination of evidence. One high quality randomized or quasi-experimental group
design study and three high quality single subject design studies conducted by at
least three different investigators or research groups (across the group and single
subject design studies).

High quality randomized or quasi experimental design studies do not have critical design flaws
that create confounds to the studies, and design features allow readers/consumers to rule out
competing hypotheses for study findings. High quality in single subject design studies is
reflected by a) the absence of critical design flaws that create confounds and b) the
demonstration of experimental control at least three times in each study.

This definition and criteria are based on the following sources:

Horner, R., Carr, E., Halle, J., McGee, G., Odom, S., & Wolery, M. (2005). The use of single
subject research to identify evidence-based practice in special education. Exceptional
Children, 71, 165-180.

Nathan, P., & Gorman, J. M. (2002). A guide to treatments that work. NY: Oxford University
Press.

Odom, S. L., Brantlinger, E., Gersten, R., Horner, R. D., Thompson, B., & Harris, K. (2004).
Quality indicators for research in special education and guidelines for evidence-based
practices: Executive summary. Arlington, VA: Council for Exceptional Children Division
for Research.

Rogers, S. J., & Vismara, L. A. (2008). Evidence-based comprehensive treatments for early
autism. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 8-38.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Using these criteria, the empirical studies referenced below provide documentation for
supporting functional behavior assessment as an evidence-based practice for children with
ASD. This list is not exhaustive; other quality studies may exist that were not included.

Preschool

Mancil, G.R., Conroy, M.A., Nakao, T., & Alter, P.J. (2006). Functional communication training
in the natural environment: A pilot investigation with a young child with autism spectrum
disorder. Education and Treatment of Children, 29(4), 615-633.

Elementary

Buckley, S., & Newchok, D. (2005). Differential impact of response effort within a response
chain on use of mands in a student with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities,
26(1), 77-85.

LaBelle, C., & Charlop-Christy, M. (2002). Individualizing functional analysis to assess multiple
and changing functions of severe behavior problems in children with autism. Journal of
Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(4), 231-241.

Lucyshyn J. M., Albin, R. W., Horner, R. H., Mann, J. C., Mann, J. A., & Wadsworth, G. (2007).
Family implementation of positive behavior support for a child with autism: Longitudinal,
single-case, experimental, and descriptive replication and extension. Journal of Positive
Behavior Interventions, 9(3), 131-150.

Middle/High School

Butler, L. R., & Luiselli, J. K. (2007). Escape-maintained problem behavior in a child with autism:
Antecedent functional analysis and intervention evaluation of non-contingent escape and
instructional fading. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 9(4), 195-202.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Steps for Implementation: Functional Behavior Assessment

Neitzel, J. & Bogin, J. (2008). Steps for implementation: Functional behavior assessment.
Chapel Hill, NC: The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum
Disorders, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, The University of North
Carolina.

Teachers/practitioners often conduct a functional behavior assessment as a first step in trying to

understand why a learner with ASD may be engaging in interfering behaviors. As the function of
the behavior becomes apparent, teachers/practitioners develop interventions to reduce the
occurrence of the interfering behavior in question. Often, teachers/practitioners use functional
communication training (FCT), differential reinforcement, response interruption/redirection,
extinction, and stimulus control/environmental modification to address these behaviors in
learners with ASD. When developing intervention plans, teachers/practitioners should refer to
the specific briefs for these practices to access the steps for implementation as well as the
implementation checklists.

When planning for and implementing a functional behavior assessment (FBA) with children and
youth with ASD, the following steps are recommended.

Step 1. Establishing a Team

In Step 1, a multidisciplinary team is established to provide a variety of perspectives about the

interfering behavior that a particular learner with ASD is exhibiting. Members of the team should
include all individuals who have observed the interfering behavior demonstrated by the learner
with ASD over an extended period of time in a variety of settings and conditions.

1. A multidisciplinary team is formed that includes:

a. the learner’s teachers: special education, general education (if the learner spends
any part of the day in an inclusive setting). The teachers who are members of the
team should be from classes where the interfering behavior occurs.

b. any related service personnel: speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist,

behavioral therapist, psychologist, etc. These individuals should be included if they
have regular involvement with the learner with ASD.

c. paraprofessional(s) that work directly with the learner with ASD. These individuals
often have extended interactions with learners with ASD and may spend the most
time with them on a daily basis.

d. the learner’s parents. Parents should be included because they are most
knowledgeable about their child’s behavior across settings and situations.

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e. the learner with ASD (if developmentally appropriate). Learners with ASD may
provide valuable information about their behaviors, perceptions, and reasons why a
particular behavior may be occurring.

2. Team members identify one person to be the FBA coordinator.

Team members decide who will be the team coordinator during the FBA process. This person
coordinates and manages data collection efforts, answers questions from and stays in touch
with other team members, and ensures that the FBA is being implemented as intended.
Possible team members who might assume this role include an autism services coordinator,
special educator, speech-language pathologist, or occupational therapist. The FBA coordinator
should have training and experience in conducting FBAs.

Step 2. Identifying the Interfering Behavior

In Step 2, members of the multidisciplinary team identify the interfering behavior that will serve
as the target of the assessment and intervention strategies. Interfering behaviors include
disruptive or repetitive behaviors that interfere with optimal development, learning, and/or
achievement.

1. Team members identify the interfering behavior that is most problematic for the learner
that will serve as the focus of the FBA.

If more than one interfering behavior is occurring on a regular basis, team members must
decide which behavior will serve as the target for the FBA. Any behaviors that involve safety
should be addressed first. The following questions also may be helpful when deciding which
behavior should be the target for intervention:

Is the behavior dangerous to the learner or others?

Does the behavior interfere with learning (e.g., academic, social)?
Does the behavior interfere with socialization or acceptance from peers?
Is the behavior disruptive or intense on a frequent basis?

2. After identifying the interfering behavior, the team determines:

a. how long the behavior has been interfering with the learner’s development and
learning.

b. if the behavior involves aggression or damage to property.

c. if the behavior might be the result of environmental factors (e.g., lighting, noise level).
For example, what is unique about the environment(s) where the behavior does not
occur? What is unique about the environment where the behavior does occur? Does
the behavior occur more often under a specific set of circumstances (e.g., during
transitions, in the hallway)?

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d. if the interfering behavior might occur because learners are being asked to
demonstrate a skill that they cannot perform (e.g., language/ communication, social).
For example, does the learner not know how to use skills needed in a particular
setting or activity? Or is the learner able to use needed skills, but not consistently?

e. when and where the behavior is occurring. For example, what is different about the
environment(s) where the behavior does occur (e.g., number of other students at the
activity, time of day)?

f. other behaviors the learner exhibits immediately before the behavior occurs
(antecedents).

g. what happens immediately after the interfering behavior occurs (consequences).

Step 3. Collecting Baseline Data

Step 3 focuses on collecting data from multiple sources to better understand the interfering
behavior prior to designing and implementing an intervention strategy. Although collecting
baseline data is an essential feature of FBA, data collection is important throughout the FBA
process because it helps teachers/practitioners define the behavior, record what the learner is
currently doing, and evaluate the outcomes of the intervention plan.

1. Prior to designing and implementing an intervention, teachers/practitioners use indirect

assessment methods that include:

a. reviewing previous and current records. The purpose of record review is to gain
insight into the learner’s current behavior by looking at previous reports or
assessments that might include: medical reports, psychological evaluations, speech
and/or occupational therapy assessments, educational testing, IEP/IFSP, incident
reports/disciplinary action reports, and anecdotal reports.

b. conducting formal and informal interviews with school staff, family members, and the
learner with ASD (if appropriate). Team members, particularly the FBA coordinator,
conduct both informal and formal interviews to gather information about the behavior
from multiple perspectives. At least one of the following tools is used during this
process:

The Functional Assessment Screening Tool (FAST; Iwata & deLeon, 1995).
This tool is used to determine the potential causes of the behavior. With the
FAST, raters are asked to answer 18 yes/no questions. Scores are added up and
placed into four likely categories of function ranging from social reinforcement
(attention) to automatic reinforcement (pain attenuation).

Problem Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ; Lewis, Scott, & Sugai, 1994). This
questionnaire is used to determine the potential function of the behavior (e.g.,
access to peer attention, access to teacher attention, setting events). With the

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PBQ, raters answer 15 items and indicate the frequency with which the behavior
is observed.

Questions about Behavioral Function in Mental Illness (QABF-MI; Singh et

al., 2006). This questionnaire helps raters determine the potential function of the
behavior (attention, escape, non-social, physical, tangible). With the QABF-MI,
raters answer how often the behavior occurs.

Functional Assessment Interview (FAI; O’Neill et al., 1997). This

questionnaire can be used to interview teachers, parents, and other
school/community staff. The FAI takes approximately 45-90 minutes to
administer and provides the following outcomes: description of the interfering
behavior, events or factors that predict the behavior, possible function of the
behavior, and summary statements (behavior hypothesis).

Student-Directed Functional Assessment Interview (Student-FAI; O’Neill et

al., 1997). This interview is used with learners with ASD who can reliably report
on their behavior. It takes approximately 20-40 minutes to conduct an interview
by a member of the team who has no negative history with the learner.

The next step in the process is to collect observation-based data on the occurrence of the
interfering behavior. Prior to collecting baseline data, however, teachers/practitioners clearly
define the interfering behavior so that it can be observed easily.

2. Team members clearly describe the interfering behavior and identify data collection
measures that will be used to assess the interfering behavior prior to designing and
implementing an intervention.

During this step, it is critical that all team members agree on definitions of the behavior and the
data collection measures that will be used during the baseline data collection phase of the FBA
(i.e., data collected before the intervention is designed and implemented). For example, if the
behavior is “John talks during English class,” the team needs to come to a consensus about
what “talks during English class” means. Does it mean any talking? What if John talks quietly
during class? By clearly identifying the behavior, team members will be able to collect baseline
data that are accurate and reliable.

Example: John talks loudly during English class when the teacher is instructing the entire class.

This behavior involves several aspects – how often he talks during instruction, how loudly he
talks during instruction, and perhaps how long his statements are (duration).

Baseline data on the interfering behavior are gathered in locations and at times when the
behavior appears to occur most often; however, it also is sampled in other locations or at other
times. Determining both when and where the behavior occurs as well as when and where it
does not occur will help teachers/practitioners focus the assessment on what happens before
and after the behavior. For example, a team might determine that John talks so loudly during

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English class that the teacher is unable to instruct the rest of the class. As a result, the English
teacher and other relevant team members should focus their data collection efforts on this
behavior during this particular class to determine its potential causes.

3. Team members determine how long baseline data should be collected and who will
collect it.

During the baseline phase, it is important to collect data for a sufficient period of time to identify
consistencies in the behavior. Team members should decide how long data will be collected
(e.g., several 15 minute periods per day for three days, one week, two weeks), and what will
happen if an insufficient/inadequate amount of data are collected during baseline (e.g., redesign
the data collection method, observe at a different time).

Team members also must decide who will collect the initial baseline data. For example, it might
be easiest for a paraprofessional to collect data across the day. The team also may decide that
it would be easier to have an objective observer collect data rather than the classroom teacher
who is teaching lessons. Team members also should consider family involvement. For instance,
is it possible for family members to collect data at home and in the community? These data will
be particularly useful if the behavior is occurring in these settings as well. The decision about
who will collect data should be individualized and based on the needs and resources of each
team. If more than one team member collects data, they should observe at the same time to be
sure that they are coding the behavior in the same way.

4. Teachers/practitioners use direct observation methods that generally include:

a. using A-B-C data charts. A-B-C data charts help team members determine what
happens right before the behavior (the antecedent), the behavior that occurs, and
what happens directly after the behavior (the consequence). These data provide
insight into why the learner may be engaging in a particular behavior. The following
is an example of an A-B-C data collection chart.

A (Antecedent) (describe the B (Behavior) (describe C (Consequence) (describe

activity and specific events exactly what the behavior events that followed or results
preceding the behavior) looked like) of the behavior)
Joe was told to line up for Joe hit a peer in line. Joe was moved to the end of
math class. the line.
Joe was told to line up for Joe pulled a peer’s hair. Joe was moved to the end of
lunch. the line.

b. using scatterplots. Scatterplots help team members determine:

the possible functions of the behavior.

when the behavior is occurring.
times of the day when an intervention might be implemented to reduce the
interfering behavior.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

The following example illustrates how a scatterplot can be used during the FBA to identify when
and where the behavior is occurring. The gray boxes marked with “Xs” indicate that the behavior
occurred at that particular time on a particular date.

Time Activity Date

8/22 8/23 8/24 8/25 8/26 8/27 8/28
9:15 Reading (independent work) X X
9:30 Reading (small group) X X
10:00 Science (whole group) X X
11:30 Lunch
12:15 Recess XX XX X X X X
1:00 Math (whole group) X X

The chart can then be used to identify patterns of behavior. For example, the above scatterplot
indicates that this learner with ASD exhibits the interfering behavior most consistently during
recess. Therefore, this might be a time when an intervention could be implemented to reduce
the interfering behavior. It is important to note that scatterplots used in FBA are different from
those used by researchers when conducting statistical analyses. FBA scatterplots are used to
identify patterns of behavior and are helpful in determining when interventions can be
implemented.

c. using standardized behavior rating scales. These types of rating scales provide a
standardized form to observe learner behavior. One example is the Functional
Assessment Observation Form (FAO; O’Neill et al., 1997).

d. conducting learner motivation assessments. These types of assessments help to

identify what motivates individual learners to engage in a particular behavior. One
example is the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS; Durand & Crimmins, 1992). With
this scale (http://www.monacoassociates.com/mas/MAS.html), raters are asked 16
questions about the interfering behavior. Scores are added up and ranked by
category of function (sensory, escape, attention, tangible).

e. conducting learner reinforcer preference assessments. These types of assessments

help team members identify activities, materials, etc. that are motivating to the
learner and might be used during an intervention to decrease interfering behaviors
and increase more appropriate behaviors. This type of procedure usually takes about
five minutes and involves the steps listed below.

Sit in front of the learner and hold up two items and say to the learner, "Pick
one."
Wait ten seconds for the learner to indicate his/her choice in whatever manner is
appropriate to the learner (e.g., reaching, pointing, verbalizing, using a switch or
augmentative communication device).
Place the selected and non-selected objects in their appropriate containers (i.e.,
one to hold the learner’s selections, one to hold the materials not selected).

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Continue the first three steps until half the objects presented are chosen (Mason
& Egel, 1995).

5. Teachers/practitioners use indirect and direct assessment results to identify:

a. where the behavior is happening.

b. with whom the behavior is occurring.

c. when the behavior is happening.

d. activities during which the behavior occurs.

e. what other students are doing when the behavior starts.

f. what teachers/adults are doing when the behavior starts.

g. proximity of other students, teachers, and/or adults.

h. the noise level in the environment.

i. the number of individuals in the area.

j. other environmental conditions (e.g., lighting, door open/closed).

k. the function of the behavior. Behaviors fall into two categories of function:

to get or obtain something desired: obtain internal stimulation (wanting something

because it feels good), obtain attention, obtain activities or objects or
to escape or avoid: internal stimulation (not wanting something because it feels
bad), escape or avoid attention, avoid tasks or activities.

6. Teachers/practitioners identify other variables that might be influencing the interfering

behavior (e.g., medication, family/home variables, health status of learner).

In the case of severe self injury or aggression, a thorough medical evaluation should be
conducted to rule out possible sources of discomfort, illness, or other chronic conditions that
may exacerbate the behavior.

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Step 4. Developing a Hypothesis Statement

Step 4 involves developing a hypothesis statement that is based upon the assessment results
and describes the behavior in sufficient detail. Analyzing assessment data helps team members
identify patterns of behavior across time and environments. On many occasions, patterns of
behavior and the possible reasons for the behaviors will be obvious; however, at other times,
the behavior patterns may be subtle and difficult to identify.

1. Teachers/practitioners develop a hypothesis statement for the interfering behavior that

includes:

a. the setting events, immediate antecedents, and immediate consequences that

surround the interfering behavior.

b. a restatement and refinement of the description of the interfering behavior that is

occurring.

c. the function the behavior serves (i.e., get/obtain, escape/avoid).

Example hypothesis statement: “John talks loudly when the teacher is conducting a lesson
because he cannot complete his work, and he is then sent to the resource room where he plays
with a squishy ball and has no demands placed on him.”

Step 5. Testing the Hypothesis

An important step in the FBA process is to test the hypothesis to ensure that it is correct, as
long as there is no risk of injury or damage. If the behavior involves risk of injury or
damage, then proceed to Step 6.

1. Teachers/practitioners test the hypothesis by modifying the setting/activity to increase

the probability that the behavior occurs.

To test the example hypothesis statement above, the teacher could alternate between whole
class instruction and independent seat work over the course of several days or weeks to confirm
the cause of the behavior. In addition, teachers/practitioners also would need to change what
happens in the resource room. Rather than providing the squishy ball, John may be asked to
help wash all of the tables or do some nonpreferred activity. If changing the tasks in English
class and the resource room result in an increase in the interfering behavior (because John is
no longer getting what he wants), then the hypothesis is most likely correct. However, if John
talks loudly during both activities, the team would need to re-examine the hypothesis.

Step 6. Developing Interventions

Teachers/practitioners conduct an FBA as a first step in trying to understand why a learner with
ASD may be exhibiting an interfering behavior. As the function of the behavior becomes
apparent, teachers/practitioners develop interventions to reduce the occurrence of the

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interfering behavior in question. Teachers/practitioners use specific evidence-based practices
such as functional communication training (FCT), differential reinforcement, response
interruption/redirection, extinction, and stimulus control/environmental modification to decrease
the occurrence of the interfering behavior and increase the use of more appropriate
replacement behaviors. When developing intervention plans, teachers/practitioners should refer
to the specific briefs for these practices to access the steps for implementation and
implementation checklists.

In Step 6, teachers/practitioners focus on developing comprehensive intervention plans that

increase learners’ use of more appropriate behaviors to achieve their goals and reduce the
occurrence of the interfering behaviors. As a result, learners will have a larger repertoire of
appropriate, adaptive behaviors.

Before an intervention plan is developed, teachers/practitioners identify an appropriate

evidence-based practice that can used to address the function of the interfering behavior.

1. Teachers/practitioners identify appropriate evidence-based practices that address the

function of a learner’s interfering behavior.

The following table includes specific functions of interfering behaviors and the appropriate
evidence-based practices that might be used to reduce learners’ interfering behaviors.

Function of Interfering Behavior Other Potential Behavioral Procedures

Attention Functional communication training (FCT)

Extinction
Differential reinforcement
Escape/avoid Functional communication training (FCT)
Extinction
Differential reinforcement
Stimulus control
Sensory/ autonomic (behavior is Response interruption/redirection (RIR)
reinforced because it feels good or Functional communication training (FCT)
because learner can escape discomfort) Extinction
Differential reinforcement
Stimulus control
Tangible (e.g., to gain items, toys) Functional communication training (FCT)
Extinction
Differential reinforcement
Stimulus control

After the appropriate evidence-based practice is identified, the FBA coordinator and other team
members develop a behavior intervention plan (BIP).

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

2. Teachers/practitioners develop a behavior intervention plan (BIP) that matches the
function of the interfering behavior and is agreed upon by all members of the team.

The BIP should be clearly written so that all members of the team are knowledgeable about
their roles and responsibilities. Team members also should consider ways that the BIP can
address the interfering behavior in home and community settings, if appropriate.

The BIP should include strategies for (1) teaching or increasing the replacement behavior, and
(2) increasing learning opportunities and social engagement. Interventions that focus on skill
development will be more successful than those that focus entirely on behavior management
because they provide a means for learners with ASD to express themselves in more appropriate
ways.

3. Teachers/practitioners include the following in the BIP:

a. a definition of the interfering behavior. The definition of the interfering is usually

included in the hypothesis statement.

b. evidence-based practices used to decrease the interfering behavior.

c. objectives that can be used to indicate progress. The objectives can be drawn from
the learner’s IFSP/IEP or drafted when writing the BIP. Objectives should be
observable and measurable so that the effectiveness of the intervention strategies
can be monitored accurately.

Example objectives:

John will participate three or more times appropriately during 10 minutes of whole
class instruction in English.
John will complete tasks in English class without talking.
If John needs to leave class, he asks for a break during whole class instruction
using his “Break” card.

As John becomes more successful at participating appropriately in English class during whole
group instruction, the amount of targeted time and number of positive participation examples
can be increased.

d. additional materials that may be needed. These include all materials that will be
needed to implement the intervention successfully. Materials may include data
collection sheets, timers for learners to monitor how long they have been engaged in
a certain activity, visual supports (e.g., “Break”card), and additional staff to help
teachers and other practitioners follow through with demands.

e. environmental accommodations. Accommodations to the environment include

anything that will decrease the probability of a behavior occurring. For example, a
teacher could dim the lights in a class if it is too bright for a learner with ASD.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

f. response(s) from staff and others to the interfering behavior. In many instances,
teachers and other practitioners will ignore the interfering behavior when it occurs so
that learners with ASD are no longer reinforced for engaging in it. In some cases,
other responses may be necessary (e.g., delivering consequences).

g. Strategies for improving skill deficit areas. Appropriate evidence-based practices

should be chosen to teach learners with ASD skills needed to participate
appropriately in settings and activities where the interfering behavior occurs. For
example, if a learner with ASD is hitting peers at lunch, then peer-mediated
instruction and intervention could be used to teach the learner with ASD and typically
developing peers how to interact with one another.

h. Strategies for enhancing learner motivation. These strategies might include offering
choices during activities and across the day, incorporating preferred materials into
activities, or allowing learners with ASD to engage in a preferred activity when
completing an activity without engaging in the interfering behavior.

i. The data collection plan. Team members use the data collection system developed
earlier to monitor progress. The system outlines when, where, by whom, and how
data are collected.

Step 7. Monitoring Intervention Effectiveness

In Step 7, teachers/practitioners regularly monitor learner behavior(s) to determine the

effectiveness of the intervention.

1. Teachers/practitioners develop a system to monitor the effectiveness of the intervention

that outlines when, where, by whom, and how data are collected.

When: once a week, daily, on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Where: during snack, on the playground, in math class
By Whom: special education teacher, speech-language pathologist, general
education teacher, paraprofessional
How: checklist, anecdotal notes (e.g., running records, informal observation notes),
self-management checklist completed by learner with ASD

2. Teachers/practitioners collect data that focus on:

a. the frequency of the interfering behavior: how often the behavior occurs (e.g., time
sampling, event sampling);

b. the frequency of use of replacement behavior(s): how often the learner with ASD
uses the replacement behavior(s); and

c. how long the interfering behavior lasts when it occurs.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

3. Teachers/practitioners collect data both in the setting where the behavior occurs and in
other settings.

4. Teachers/practitioners collect data at least once a week in the setting in which the
behavior occurs to monitor the incidence of the interfering behavior(s) as well as the
replacement behavior(s).

As the interfering behavior diminishes, team members can collect progress monitoring data less
frequently. However, data should continue to be collected throughout the year in order to
demonstrate maintenance of skills and the success of the intervention plan.

5. Teachers/practitioners compare intervention data to baseline data to determine the

effectiveness of the intervention.

6. Teachers/practitioners summarize the data to make decisions about program planning.

References

Durand, V. M., & Crimmins, D. B. (1992). Motivation assessment scale. Topeka, KS: Monaco &
Associates Incorporated.

Iwata, B. A., & DeLeon, I. G. (1995). The functional analysis screening tool (FAST).
Unpublished manuscript, University of Florida.

Lewis, T.J., Scott, T., & Sugai, G. (1994). The problem behavior questionnaire: A teacher-based
instrument to develop functional hypotheses of problem behavior in general education
classrooms. Diagnostique, 19(2-3), 103-115.

Mason, S. A. & Egel, A. L. (1995). What does Amy like? Using a mini-reinforcer assessment to
increase student participation in instructional activities. Teaching Exceptional Children,
28, 42-45.

O’Neill, R. E., Horner, R. H., Albin, R. W., Storey, K., & Sprague, J. R. (1997). Functional
assessment and program development: A practical handbook. Pacific Grove, CA:
Brookes/Cole Publishing Company.

Singh, N. N., Matson, J. L., Lancioni, G. E., Singh, A. N., Adkins, A. D., McKeegan, G. F.,
Brown, S. W. (2006). Questions about behavioral function in mental illness (QABF-MI).
Behavior Modification, 30(6), 739-751.

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Implementation Checklist for Functional Behavior

Assessment
Neitzel, J. (2008). Implementation checklist for functional behavior assessment. Chapel Hill, NC:
The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Frank
Porter Graham Child Development Institute, The University of North Carolina.

Instructions: The Implementation Checklist includes each phase in the FBA process. Please complete all
of the requested information including the site and state, individual being observed/interviewed, and the
learner’s initials. To assure that a practice is being implemented as intended, an observation is always
preferable. This may not always be possible. Thus, items may be scored based on observations with the
implementer, discussions and/or record review as appropriate. Within the table, record a 2 (implemented),
1 (partially implemented), 0 (did not implement), or NA (not applicable) next to each step observed to
indicate to what extent the step was implemented/addressed during your observation. Use the last page
of the checklist to record the target skill, your comments, whether others were present, and plans for next
steps for each observation.

Site: ________________________________________ State: _________________________________

Individual(s) Observed: ________________________ Learner’s Initials: ________________________

Skills below can be implemented by a practitioner, parent, or other team member

Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Date
Observer’s Initials
Planning ( Steps 1 – 4 )
Step 1. Establishing a Team
Score**
1. A multidisciplinary team is formed that
includes:
a. the learner’s teacher(s),

b. any related service personnel (e.g.,

speech-language therapist, occupational
therapist),

c. paraprofessional(s) that work directly

with the learner with ASD,

d. the learner’s parents, and

e. the learner (if developmentally

appropriate).

2. Team members identify the FBA coordinator.

**Scoring Key: 2 = implemented; 1 = partially implemented; 0 = did not implement; NA = not applicable
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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Date
Observer’s Initials
Step 2. Identifying the Interfering
Behavior Score**
1. Identify the interfering behavior that is most
problematic for the learner that will be the
focus of the FBA.

2. After identifying the interfering behavior, the

team members determine:

a. how long the behavior has been

interfering with the learner’s development
and/or learning,

b. if the behavior involves aggression or

damage to property,

c. if the behavior is the result of

environmental factors (e.g., lighting,
noise level),

d. if the interfering is occurring because the

learner is being asked to demonstrate a
skill that he/she cannot perform,

e. when and where the behavior occurs,

f. other behaviors the learner exhibits

immediately before the behavior occurs,
and

g. what happens immediately after the

interfering behavior occurs.

Step 3. Collecting Baseline Data

1. Prior to designing and implementing an

intervention, use indirect assessment
methods that include:

a. reviewing previous and current records

and

**Scoring Key: 2 = implemented; 1 = partially implemented; 0 = did not implement; NA = not applicable

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Date
Observer’s Initials
Step 3. Collecting Data (cont.) Score**
b. conducting formal and informal
interviews with school staff, family
members, and the learner with ASD.

2. Clearly describe the interfering behavior and

identify data collection measures that will be
used to assess the interfering behavior prior
to designing and implementing the
intervention.

3. Determine how long baseline data should be

collected and who will collect it.

4. Use direct observation methods that

generally include:

a. using A-B-C data charts,

b. using scatterplots,
c. using standardized behavior rating
scales,
d. conducting learner motivation
assessments, and/or
e. conducting learner reinforcer preference
assessments.

5. Use indirect and direct assessment results to

identify:

a. where the behavior happens,

b. with whom the behavior occurs,

c. when the behavior happens,

d. activities during which the behavior

occurs,
**Scoring Key: 2 = implemented; 1 = partially implemented; 0 = did not implement; NA = not applicable

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Date
Observer’s Initials
Step 3. Collecting Data (cont.) Score**
e. what other students are doing when the
behavior start,

f. what teachers/adults are doing when the

behavior starts,

g. proximity of other students, teachers,

and/or adults,

h. the noise level in the environment,

i. the number of individuals in the area,

j. other environmental conditions (e.g.,

lighting, door open/closed, noise in the
hall), and

k. the function of the behavior (i.e.,

get/obtain, escape/avoid).

6. Identify other variables that might be

influencing the interfering behavior (e.g.,
medication, family/home variables, health
status of learner).

Step 4. Developing a Hypothesis

Statement

1. Develop a hypothesis statement for the

interfering behavior that includes:

a. the setting events, the immediate

antecedents, and immediate
consequences that surround the
interfering behavior,

b. a restatement or refinement of the

description of the interfering behavior
that is occurring, and

**Scoring Key: 2 = implemented; 1 = partially implemented; 0 = did not implement; NA = not applicable

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Date
Observer’s Initials
Step 4. Developing a Hypothesis
Statement (cont.) Score**
c. the function the behavior serves (i.e.,
attention, escape, tangible/edibles,
automatic/sensory).

Intervention ( Steps 5 – 6 )
Step 5. Testing the Hypothesis

1. Test the hypothesis by modifying the

setting/activity to increase the probability that
the behavior occurs.

Step 6. Developing Interventions

1. Identify appropriate evidence-based

practices that address the function of a
learner’s interfering behavior.

2. Develop a behavior intervention plan (BIP)

that matches the function of the interfering
behavior and is agreed upon by all members
of the team.

3. Include the following in the BIP:

a. a definition of the interfering behavior,

b. evidence-based practices used to

decrease the interfering behavior,

c. objectives that can be used to indicate

progress,

d. additional materials that may be needed

(e.g., data sheet, timer, quiet space,
additional staff),
**Scoring Key: 2 = implemented; 1 = partially implemented; 0 = did not implement; NA = not applicable

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 National Professional Development Center on
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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Date
Observer’s Initials
Step 6. Developing Interventions (cont.) Score**
e. environmental modifications (i.e.,
changing class/activity setting, physical
attributes of instructional location,
change in instructional
strategies/practices),

f. response(s) from staff and others to the

interfering behavior (i.e., consequences),

g. strategies for improving skill deficit areas,

h. strategies for enhancing learner

motivation, and

i. the data collection plan.

Progress Monitoring ( Step 7 )

Step 7. Monitoring Intervention
Effectiveness

1. Develop a system to monitor the

effectiveness of the intervention that outlines
when, where, by whom, and how data are
collected.

2. Collect data that focus on:

a. the frequency of the interfering behavior,

b. the frequency of use of replacement

behavior(s), and

c. how long the interfering behavior lasts

when it occurs.

3. Collect data in the setting where the

behavior occurs and in other settings as well.

**Scoring Key: 2 = implemented; 1 = partially implemented; 0 = did not implement; NA = not applicable

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Date
Observer’s Initials
Step 7. Monitoring Intervention
Effectiveness (cont.) Score**
4. Collect data in the setting in which the
behavior occurs at least once a week to
monitor the frequency of the interfering
behavior(s) and the replacement behavior(s).

5. Compare intervention data to baseline data

to determine the effectiveness of the
intervention.

6. Summarize the data to make decisions

about program planning.

**Scoring Key: 2 = implemented; 1 = partially implemented; 0 = did not implement; NA = not applicable

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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

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 National Professional Development Center on
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Module: Functional Behavior Assessment

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

Date Observer Target Skill/Behavior, Comments, and Plans for Next Steps
Initials

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