Functional Behavior Assessment
Systematic way for looking at problem behavior in the context in which it happens.
A functional behavior assessment includes looking at:
- setting events
- antecedents
- problem behaviors, and
- maintaining consequences
Setting Events
Setting Events are things that when a trigger is present increases the chances that the problem behavior will occur.
Examples:
- Settings
- Lack of sleep
- Medications
- Illness
- Change in routines/people
Antecedents
The antecedent is what happens right before the problem behavior; it is what "triggers" the behavior.
Challenging Behaviors
- Measurable
- Observable
- Work on one challenging behavior at a time
Maintaining Consequences
- Maintaining consequences are what occur directly AFTER the problem behavior that increase or maintain that behavior.
Record the Process
| Setting Events | Antecedent | Behavior | Consequence | Function of the Behavior |
| Dad gets home from work, mom is tired, she's been home with child all day--no adult interaction | Dad greets Mom and talks with her | Child interrupts parents and tantrums | Mom and Dad both yell at him | Acknowledge/Attention |