What is the purpose of conducting a functional behavior assessment (FBA)?

The purpose of conducting a functional behavior assessment (FBA) is to determine the intended purpose of a child's behavior. This assessment aims to understand why a child engages in specific behaviors by identifying the underlying functions those behaviors serve. For example, a child may exhibit challenging behaviors to gain attention, escape a difficult task, or seek sensory input. By understanding the reasons behind these behaviors, educators and practitioners can develop effective intervention strategies that address the root causes rather than just the symptoms. This ensures that any behavioral interventions are tailored to meet the individual needs of the child, promoting positive behavior changes more effectively.

While documenting a child's behavior, identifying natural consequences, and monitoring improvement are important aspects of behavior management, they do not encompass the primary focus of the FBA. The main goal is to gain insight into the function of the behavior to inform and guide interventions that are more likely to be successful.