Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs):
What are they and how can they help my child/teen?
Completed by: Kristy Cipolla M.Ed, LPC, NCC
Examples of what behavior concerns might look like and what an FBA could help improve:
temper tantrums/emotional dysregulation (big emotions that take over!)
aggression (verbal and/or physical)
anger
non-compliance (saying “no”)
defiance
ADHD and it’s symptoms
Anxiety
Difficulties with transitions
School refusal/avoidance
What is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?
An FBA is a structured data gathering process used to help identify positive behavior interventions and supports to be used in the home. An FBA is used to determine the answers to the following three questions:
Why does the child have challenging behavior?
What reinforces the challenging behavior?
What positive interventions help decrease the challenging behavior and increase the desired behavior?
The results of an FBA are used to develop a behavior intervention plan (BIP).
What is a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?
A formal written document developed following the completion of a functional behavior assessment.
A BIP outlines the interventions that will be used to reduce, replace, or reinforce desired/challenging behaviors.
This document provides parents with the most up-to-date behavioral interventions for their child.
Positive behavior interventions, strategies, and resources are developed and presented based on the perceived function of the behavior.
To have an FBA and BIP completed for your child please contact:
Kristy@centerforfamilyempowerment.com
(267) 209-3174
CFE Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) Process:
Step 1: Initial phone consultation- 30 minutes
During the phone consultation clinician will explain the FBA process and purpose. Clinician will conduct a parent interview. During this time the parent/guardian will provide information on the child. This includes a description of problem behavior(s), strengths, interventions currently in place, medical history, family system description, school behaviors.
* Payment is due following this step
Step 2: Assessments and Data Collection
Following the initial consultation/interview the clinician will send several documents via email. They are rating scales and further information on problem behavior(s). These documents will help the clinician in determining the function (reason) for the behavior and assist in coming up with interventions that best suit the child’s needs.
* If the child is a current CFE client, clinician will consult with their clinician as well.
Step 3: In home observations
After receiving the email documents, clinician will schedule 2 in home observations. If schedules allow there will be 1 observation per week for 2 weeks.
* Clinician will schedule a virtual meeting with parent/guardian to review BIP for 2 weeks after 2nd observation
Step 4: Develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
Following the 2 in home observations, the clinician will develop a BIP. This will be based on the information gathered from the parent interview, emailed assessment tools, and observations. Clinician will personalize the plan based on the hypothesized function(s) of the behaviors of concern.
The BIP will be complete 2 week following the final observation.
Step 5: Virtual Meeting to review Behavior Intervention Plan
Clinician will meet with parent/guardian to review the FBA and BIP. Clinician will provide evidence-based interventions and strategies to address problem behaviors.
Step 6: One Month Check-In
Clinician will schedule a check-in phone call one month following the presentation of the BIP. We will discuss how the proposed interventions are working and if anything needs adjusting.
Step 7: Quarterly Check-Ins (15 minute phone calls)
Clinician will reach out quarterly to check in on behavior changes. We can discuss alternative interventions if needed.
Cost: $450.00
* Payment is due following Step 1 (initial parent consult)
The Center for Family Empowerment provides functional behavioral assessments in Jenkintown, PA. We also serve Abington, Cheltenham, Glenside, Elkins Park, Wyncote and other nearby areas.