FABIC is Based on Evidence-Based Functional Behaviour Assessment

The Body Life Skills Program as offered at FABIC is based on the founding principles and scientific method of Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). The Body Life Skills Program presents a simplified process of Functional Behaviour Assessment, allowing accessibility and usability for all equally, supporting all on their path of lasting behaviour change.

What is Functional Assessment?

In practical terms, FBA involves a process where non-preferred behaviours are identified, the way these behaviours are engaged in is observed and information collected from a variety of sources. This data is then analysed to plan interventions aimed at supporting lasting behaviour change. The interventions are put in place through training and consultation and then monitored and evaluated for their effectiveness over time, noting that lasting behaviour change is not a quick fix and can require time for lasting change to be consistent.

Functional Behaviour Assessment or FBA is a well-recognised, evidence-based process for collecting information to assess the reason why a person’s unwanted behaviour is being used.[1] FBA is well researched and shows that interventions developed from an FBA are more likely to be effective in reducing rates of problem behaviour.[2]

A Functional Behaviour Assessment applies a variety of means of collecting data that, when collated, allows a hypothesis to be formulated as to why a particular behaviour is being used. In this context, the ‘reason’ is also known as the ‘function of behaviour’.

A Functional Behaviour Assessment is also frequently referred to as Functional Assessment. It looks at the behaviours in the environmental setting in which they occur, the interactions with people, the tasks and activities the person is engaged in and any internal factors inside the body that can influence how they are experiencing their world. So we look at the behaviour at home, at school/work, in the community and in the clinical setting, basically anywhere the person spends time. In the literature, Functional Behaviour Assessment, Functional Assessment and Functional Analysis are sometimes used interchangeably, although technically Functional Analysis has additional steps. FABIC focusses on Functional Behaviour Assessment.

Simply put, a Functional Assessment is an analytical tool that investigates the reason why an unwanted behaviour is used. The outcome of this style of assessment then becomes the foundation for developing a behaviour modification program i.e., once the reason for a behaviour is identified, the behaviour modification program is designed with the ‘reason why’ in consideration.

More information and the central role of the FBA in the FABIC Body Life Skills Program is outlined in chapter 4 of  Body, Life, Skills, Book 1: Introducing the Body Life Skills Program, 3 Steps to Understanding & Changing Behaviour, by Tanya Curtis.

In summary, Chapter 4 outlines:

1. 1. 1. What is Functional Behaviour Assessment
      2. The Value of Functional Behaviour Assessment
      3. Steps of Functional Behaviour Assessment
      4. Sequence of Behaviour
      5. Limitations of Functional Behaviour Assessment

The Body Life Skills Program: Book 1 can be purchased in hard copy or as an eBook via Apple Books or Google Books