Functional Behaviour Assessment
Understanding why a behaviour happens is the first step to changing it.
Behaviours of concern always have a reason. A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a structured process for finding out what that reason is, so support can meet the person’s real needs instead of only reacting to what we see on the surface.
At Positive Moods, our behaviour support practitioners carry out FBAs for NDIS participants, working closely with the person, their family, carers and support team.
What Is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
An FBA is a systematic process for understanding why a person uses a behaviour of concern. The word “functional” refers to what the behaviour does for the person. It might help them:
- Communicate a need, feeling or preference
- Escape or avoid something that feels overwhelming, confusing or unpleasant
- Gain attention, connection, an item or an activity
- Manage sensory input, discomfort, pain or emotions
The same behaviour can serve very different purposes for different people, which is why strategies need to match the function of the behaviour, not just the behaviour itself.
An FBA doesn’t label or diagnose a person. It builds a clear, evidence-based understanding of what triggers a behaviour, what keeps it going and what the person needs instead.
Why an FBA Matters
It’s the foundation of a good Behaviour Support Plan.
Every strategy in the plan should be grounded in what the assessment finds.
It’s required under the NDIS.
A Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan must be based on a behaviour support assessment, which includes an FBA. Only NDIS behaviour support practitioners can carry it out.
It leads to fewer restrictive practices.
When we understand what a person needs, we can make changes that reduce the need for restrictions.
It saves time and funding.
Strategies based on guesswork often don’t work. Strategies based on assessment are more likely to.
It gives everyone the same understanding.
Families, schools and support workers share a clear picture of what’s happening and why.
Who Is It For?
FBAs are used for children, young people and adults with disability, including autism, intellectual disability, ADHD, acquired brain injury and psychosocial disability, where behaviours:
- Put the person or others at risk of harm
- Limit access to school, work, community or relationships
- Are becoming more frequent, intense or harder to manage
- Involve, or may lead to, the use of restrictive practices
How It Works
-
Referral and service agreement.
We talk through your situation, confirm funding and agree on next steps.
-
Information gathering.
Your practitioner reviews relevant records and reports and talks with the person, family, carers and others who know them well.
-
Observation.
We observe the person in the places where the behaviour happens, such as home, school, day programs or the community, to see the situation as it really is.
-
Data collection.
We use structured methods to record what happens before, during and after a behaviour. Family and support workers play an important role in gathering this information, with guidance from your practitioner.
-
Analysis and hypothesis.
We look for patterns and develop a clear, evidence-based explanation of why the behaviour occurs and what it achieves for the person.
-
Feedback and report.
We share our findings with you and your team and explain what they mean in plain language.
-
Behaviour Support Plan.
The assessment is used to develop strategies, which are set out in either an Interim or a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan.
From Assessment to Plan
The FBA is one part of the wider behaviour support process:
- Where restrictive practices are in use, we develop an Interim Behaviour Support Plan within one month.
- We complete a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan, including the Functional Behaviour Assessment, within six months.
An FBA looks at the behaviour in the context of the person’s whole life, including their communication, health, relationships, environment, routines and goals, not only the behaviour itself. See Positive Behaviour Support for more on how the process works.
What You’ll Receive
A written report that includes:
- A description of the behaviours of concern
- What triggers and maintains them
- Your practitioner’s explanation of why they happen
- The person’s strengths, preferences and support needs
- Recommendations for proactive strategies and next steps
With your consent, this can be shared with your support team, school, support coordinator or other providers.
Why Positive Moods?
Specialists, not generalists.
We focus only on behaviour support and mental health therapeutic supports. That focus lets our team build deep expertise in behaviour assessment and support.
Over six years of experience.
We were one of the first behaviour support companies in the sector, and we understand what the NDIS Commission expects.
Person-centred and collaborative.
We involve the person in every stage, and we work alongside families, carers and support teams, who know the person best.
Assessment that leads to action.
We don’t stop at the report. We can help you put strategies into practice with training and coaching for carers and support staff.
Where We Work
We provide in-person NDIS behaviour support in Queensland and South Australia, including Brisbane and Adelaide. Telehealth is available Australia-wide for parts of the process, and your practitioner will talk with you about what suits your situation.
Funding
Behaviour support assessment and planning are typically funded through Capacity Building – Improved Relationships in your NDIS plan. Not sure what your plan includes? Contact us and we’ll help you check before you commit.
Ready to Get Started?
Phone: 1300 001 470
Email: ndis@positivemoods.com.au
Learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support services.