Functional Behavior Assessment Paper

In order to create a behavior intervention plan behavior analysts have to conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). This assessment is necessary to determine what the functions of the problem behaviors serve. A functional behavior assessment helps to create a behavior intervention to decrease the problem behaviors and increase a more appropriate behavior (Cooper, Heron, & Howard, 2007). Furthermore, FBA also includes the illness, client’s medical condition and medications they may be taking. After utilizing direct observations, functional analysis and interviews behavior analyst can address the problem behaviors the client needs improvement with. It is essential to determine which behavior needs to be changed first. When behaviors poses any danger to a client or others it should be addressed immediately (Cooper, et al., 2007). Behavior analysts must define the target behaviors clearly so any one can understand what they are observing and recording. Toby’s
Data Collection
During the functional behavior assessment the behavior analysts or another trained observer will collect data on the client. Collecting data will determine why the behavior is occurring. The function of the behavior is to determine if the client is seeking attention, trying to escape, gain reinforcement or sensory stimulus related. Data can be collected by direct/indirect observations or functional analysis. Behavior analyst use Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequences (ABC) forms to observe and collect data on their clients. Additionally, they use direct and indirect observations to collect data. Indirect forms are interviews and questionnaires filled out by caregivers, parents, teachers, or other adults in the client’s daily life. Direct and indirect observations are used to develop a hypothesis about the function of