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.
The initial objective of FBA was to help in identifying students with abnormal behavior and coming up with measures to keep the problem in check. It targeted students with intellectual disability such as those who had autism. Some of the key pointers that helped in picking them out included lagging way behind academically, poor social interaction and attention seeking behavior.
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.
Thirdly, the FBA team needs to formulate a hypothesis. The hypothesis seeks to explain the occurrence of certain habits by assessing function, skill deficit and performance. For instance, if evaluating an employee at work, one may want to find out if they are satisfied with the pay they get, their relationship with workmates and whether they are having any issues at home. In addition, one needs to find out whether the employee is passionate at their job and whether they have the necessary skills.
The fourth step entails coming up with an intervention plan which aims at modifying or changing the behavior of the individual in entirety. It incorporates people who directly affect the life of the subject. In the employee example, several categories of people need to be brought in to ensure the plan is fully implemented. If the subject is a student, it may involve their teacher, friend, caretaker and sibling among other relevant groups.
The final step in FBA is to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Data collection from close contacts and direct observation are the main tools used in analysis. If the intervention proves fruitless, the team needs to re-evaluate and come up with a different approach.
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.
The initial objective of FBA was to help in identifying students with abnormal behavior and coming up with measures to keep the problem in check. It targeted students with intellectual disability such as those who had autism. Some of the key pointers that helped in picking them out included lagging way behind academically, poor social interaction and attention seeking behavior.
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.
Thirdly, the FBA team needs to formulate a hypothesis. The hypothesis seeks to explain the occurrence of certain habits by assessing function, skill deficit and performance. For instance, if evaluating an employee at work, one may want to find out if they are satisfied with the pay they get, their relationship with workmates and whether they are having any issues at home. In addition, one needs to find out whether the employee is passionate at their job and whether they have the necessary skills.
The fourth step entails coming up with an intervention plan which aims at modifying or changing the behavior of the individual in entirety. It incorporates people who directly affect the life of the subject. In the employee example, several categories of people need to be brought in to ensure the plan is fully implemented. If the subject is a student, it may involve their teacher, friend, caretaker and sibling among other relevant groups.
The final step in FBA is to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Data collection from close contacts and direct observation are the main tools used in analysis. If the intervention proves fruitless, the team needs to re-evaluate and come up with a different approach.
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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