The ABCs of Behavior & Functional Behavioral Assessments

GOAL!

Simple Vs. Complex FBAs:

Various levels of FBAs exist and selection is often based on the intensity, frequency and location of the student's target behavior.

• Simple FBA
• Targeted behaviors are mild to moderate in nature
• Occur in predictable settings
• Interventions and support plans are able to implemented based on observation data

• Complex FBA
• Targeted behaviors are more intensive and severe
• Behaviors occur across multiple settings
• Interventions may require more intensive planning and collaboration with outside agencies
• May involve a behavior specialist's assistance

When Should an FBA Be Conducted?

An FBA is appropriate when...

• THE IEP team determines that the target behavior is interfering with the student's ability to learn and the learning of others

• When the behavior violates the a code of student conduct and is a result of the student's disability

• When the school refers the student to law enforcement

• When the student is removed from his placement due to possession of drugs, weapons and/or injury

• When the student is removed from school for more than 10-15 consecutive days due to a behavior that is NOT a result of a disability

Who Else May Require an FBA?

• Students who may require more behavior data/observations to determine if they are eligible for special education services
• Students who may need modifications to the services they are already receiving

Using the ABC to Complete an FBA:

What is an FBA?

• A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a process of identifying problem behavior/s that are interfering with a student's educational progress
• Assists the IEP team in selecting appropriate interventions to address the behavior/s

How is the ABC Analysis Used to Write an FBA?

• Behavior observation data is collected and analyzed using the ABC Analysis to review variables associated with the behavior
• Information is summarized to determine if a positive behavior support plan is needed to modify any variables to address the problem behavior/s

What Information is Needed to Write an FBA?

• Target behavior
• Observation data (direct assessment)
• Interviews (indirect assessment)
• Academic, medical and/or student disciplinary records

How Do You Conduct an ABC Analysis?

Step 1: Identify Target Behavior

• What behavior do you want to focus on/observe?

Step 2: Acquire an ABC Analysis Form

Step 3: Observe the Student's Behavior

*Observation may occur over the course of a class period, a school day or several school days*

The ABCs of Behavior Analysis & Functional Behavioral Assessments

onsequences of Behavior:

Consequences are the responses to the target behavior. Responses may come from:

• Teachers/Adults - How does the teacher/adult present respond to the behavior?
• Children/Peers - How do the children present respond to the behavior?
• Environment - Does the environment respond to the behavior in any way?

Why Is This Important?

• Responses to behaviors can give educators clues regarding appropriate ways to address the behaviors and provide insight about behaviors they may not have known about

ehavior Happening Now:

When observing and recording the target behavior as it is happening, there are 3 things educators must do:

• Be SPECIFIC - Focus only on the target behavior
• Be DETAILED - Record everything you see and hear in relation to the behavior
• Be OBJECTIVE - Avoid recording your own opinions and focus on the facts

Why Is This Important?

• Providing detailed information on the target behavior can assist educators in devising specific behavior strategies

ntecedents of Behavior:

Presented By: Liz Cannon

When recording the antecedents of the behavior, educators must consider 4 elements:

• Duration - For how long is the behavior occurring?
• Setting - Where is the behavior occurring?
• Classroom? Hallway? Reading area?
• Events - When is the behavior occurring?
• During math lessons? During transitions?
• Interactions - Who is the child interacting with when the behavior occurs?
• Teacher? Peers?

Why Is This Important?

• Antecedents provide valuable information that helps educators to predict and modify situations, environments and interactions in which the behavior occurs to increase + and decrease - behaviors

The ABCs: What Are They?

What is an ABC Behavior Analysis?

• An observation technique used by educators to observe and record information regarding a problem behavior
• Assists educators in figuring out what happened before, during and after the behavior/behaviors occur

What Do the ABCs Stand For?

• Antecedent: What events of actions take place before the behavior occurs?
• Behavior: What does the target behavior look like?
• Consequence: What actions or consequence occur immediately after the behavior?