Steps to Completing an FBA

Step !.  Identify and define the problem.  Everyone on the team needs to be aware of the behaviors that they are observing.

Step 2 Collect data.  The team needs to know when, why, or how frequently the behavior is occuring during the day.

step 3 - Identify  the function of the behavior so that we cab learn what precipitated it.

The first 3 steps are very important in determining the function of an FBA. 

The first step of the plan is the team must identify and define the problem and the replacement behavior. Defining the right behavior is important because the team must be observing and collecting data on the right behavior. Not defining the right behavior may make the process inefficient and ineffective.   

Step 2 is to collect data on the behavior (when, where? how often, how long does it lasts). checklists work well and with information from interviews with student, teacher and parent, as well as  direct observations in the class. The ABC process is used (A: Antecedent, Behavior and Consequences) Direct observation records duration latency and event recording.  Collecting data is very important because it can give the team information about what triggers the behavior, where is it happening, how long does it last, how severe is the behavior etc)

Step 3 is to record the function of the behavior. Does it serve to attain attention, avoidance, tangible items or sensory conditions.  The third step is very important because it defines why the student is doing what s/he is doing. For example, is the student misbehaving to get attention? to avoid doing work, to get something as a result of the behavior or because it is physically needed to satisfy a need. 

The first step is to identify and define the problem and replacement behaviors. This is important so that all staff can complete the data collection with objective accuracy. The second step is to collect data. This way patterns can be determined. The third step is to identify the function of the behavior. This is important to determine the cause behind the behavior, which can help figure out a way to satisfy the function without the undesired behavior.

The first 3 steps in a FBA are 1) to define the behavior, by being specific & objective (measurable and observable).
 2) to gather and analyze the information(data), the when & where, how often, who is student around, before & after behavior. 3) to find out the reason (function) for the behavior( escape, avoidance, etc.).
These steps are important in order for the team to make a plan (BIP).

1) Define the behavior - a clear and measurable behavior definition ensures that any person collecting data will be observing the same behavior.
2) Collect data - Accurate data collection is critical to determining the functions of behavior. Frequency, duration, and intensity are analyzed when determining function.
3) Identify the function - Determining the correct function is the key to creating a valid treatment plan. If a plan is created that attempts to serve an incorrect function, the plan will fail.

Step 1: Identify and define the problem and replacement behaviors.  This ensures that regardless of who collects the data, the correct behavior is observed.

Step 2: Collect data on the behavior(s).  The purpose of the data collection is to determine when, where and how frequently the target behavior occurs, as well as the duration of the behavior. Some types of data are checklists, parent and teacher interviews and direct observations such as an ABC analysis. (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence).  This data also provides baseline information prior to putting a plan in place.

Step 3: Identify the function of the behavior: This helps determine if the behavior is to obtain or avoid something as well as what the student is attempting to obtain or avoid. A functional assessment may be used to help in identifying the function of a behavior.