When Would We Need an FBA?

There are many scenarios that can lead a team to decide that they need to analyze behavior for its communicative content, such as if the student is:

• Struggling with disruptive behavior
• Showing signs of increased anxiety
• Having difficulty completing work (and there is a question of understanding vs. other interference)
• Not following expectations
• Dependent upon interfering rituals
• Having difficulty with sensory experiences
• Having difficulty with social skills/approaches to peers
• Resistant to authority/expectations
• Having trouble communicating effectively
• Experiencing sudden changes in behaviors (better or worse!)
• Experiencing any consistent barrier to success within the school building (or at home)

The team involved with a student struggling with any of these or similar issues should hold a meeting to discuss the possible need for an FBA, and to establish scheduled times for planning (make sure to schedule enough time so as not to feel rushed), decide who will participate, and who will act as the coordinator.