Monday, May 14, 2018

Functional Behavior Assessment Steps To Be Followed

By Harold Olson


Human behavior is as varied as the number of unique finger prints. Functional behavior assessment, also known as FBA, is an approach used to identify unique problems, especially among students. It methodically attempts to know why a person has certain behavioral tendencies and how this behavioral patters can be altered to fit societal norms and standards. Functional behavior assessment steps are systematic and should be keenly followed.

Students with general learning disability were the original targets in this assessment. It was easy to point out autistic students due to the odd personality they manifested. Being able to identify them early helped a great a deal in addressing both their social and academic issues in a comprehensive manner.

The first step in FBA is to identify the problem. The individual under study must first be accurately defined. The assessor then takes time to objectively study them in various settings and define their pattern of behavior. This may take quite sometime and one needs to be forbearing in order to come up with a detailed report. Several factors such as culture should be considered in the process.

Secondly, the assessing team gets to collect data in a bid to know more about the problem. Directly observing the individual as they go about their day is one way of collecting data. Close contacts such as teachers and fellow students can also be engaged as it may not be possible to follow up the individual in question all day. Not only does it appear inappropriate but objectivity may also be lost once the subject becomes aware that they are being followed. Common tools used in indirect assessment include questionnaires and interviews. It is more beneficial to utilize both tools as each is unique in its own way.

After collecting data, the next step is to formulate a hypothesis which aims at drawing conclusions from the data collected. For example, some individuals behave the way they do because they feel neglected. Dismal academic scoring could be due to lack of knowledge and skills. Misbehavior could also be because the subject may not be aware that their actions are outside the norm.

Following hypothesis formulation, the FBA team has to come up with plans to intervene. The goal is to create awareness and to work at entirely changing the behavior if possible. If dealing with a student, for instance, a team involving the teacher, the parent and any other close association is crucial in addressing the problem. The intervention of an expert can also be considered depending on how deep rooted the problem is.

The fifth and last step is to analyze the outcome of intervention. Just as was done in data collection, direct and indirect techniques are used as tools of analysis. The team involved in intervention needs to provide comprehensive feedback regarding the fruitfulness of the process. Outcome can also be assessed by merely observing the subject and noting any positive changes.

In summary, FBA is a process that calls for resourcefulness, skill, patience and objectivity while at it. It has five main steps including problem establishment, collecting data, hypothesis formulation, planning for intervention and assessing the effectiveness of the entire procedure. While these may appear all organized, one should be aware of the changing environment during the study and to make appropriate adjustments towards achieving success.




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