When it comes to supporting people who experience behaviours of concern, one of the most effective, evidence-based tools we have is the Functional Behaviour Assessment, often referred to as an FBA. While the term might sound clinical, the purpose behind it is deeply human: to understand why someone behaves the way they do, so we can respond with empathy, support, and strategies that truly work. FBA aims to identify the reasons behind behaviours and to inform the development of effective behaviour support plans.

At Bloom Healthcare, our team of Behaviour Support Practitioners uses functional behavioural assessments as a key part of our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) services. Functional behavioural assessments are widely used in education and schools to support students with challenging behaviours. Collecting information and gathering information are essential steps in the FBA process, helping to ensure that the behaviour of concern is accurately identified and understood. Through careful observation, collaboration and assessment, we help uncover the reasons behind behaviours and build proactive strategies that support a person’s goals, wellbeing and independence.

For example, a functional behavioural assessment might be used in a school setting to support a student whose disruptive behaviour has been identified as interfering with their learning and the learning of others.

Learn more: Positive Behaviour Support at Bloom Healthcare

What Is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?

A Functional Behaviour Assessment is a structured process used to identify the reasons behind challenging or distressing behaviours. It’s grounded in the belief that all behaviour – even when it’s risky or disruptive – happens for a reason.

A key part of an FBA is to describe the student’s behaviour in specific, observable terms to ensure accurate identification and consistent observation. FBAs are used to investigate certain behaviour to understand its underlying function and the circumstances in which it occurs. Teachers and other professionals conduct FBAs to better understand and support students’ behaviour in educational settings. This process helps develop and implement intervention strategies tailored to the student’s behaviour, with developing effective interventions being a key outcome of the FBA process. Assistance from specialist staff is available for those who need support in conducting or interpreting FBAs, ensuring best practice is followed. Teaching staff play a crucial role in supporting students through the FBA process and in implementing behaviour support plans.

Rather than asking, “How do we stop this behaviour?”, an FBA asks:

• What is the person trying to communicate?
• What need are they trying to meet?
• What’s happening before, during and after the behaviour?
• How can we change the environment or support the person differently?

It’s a tool for understanding context, not assigning blame. And it’s the first step toward developing a Positive Behaviour Support Plan that is respectful, person-centred and sustainable.

When Is a Functional Behaviour Assessment Needed?

FBAs are typically recommended when a person:

• Displays behaviours that place themselves or others at risk
• Is at risk of exclusion from school, work, housing or the community
• Uses behaviours that interfere with learning, relationships or daily life
• Has restrictive practices in place (such as restraints or seclusion) and requires a plan to reduce them
• Experiences distress that’s hard to understand or manage through other means

Identifying antecedents is crucial for understanding what triggers challenging behaviours. Demands placed on the individual, such as instructions or tasks, can serve as antecedents that contribute to behaviours of concern. Various factors in the environment, including settings and activities, also contribute to the likelihood that challenging behaviours will occur. Behaviours often occur in response to specific triggers or situations, making it important to analyze when and where they happen. It is essential to complete the referral or assessment process to ensure all relevant information is gathered.

In many cases, behaviours of concern are not “bad” behaviour – they’re the person’s best available strategy for coping, communicating or controlling their environment. FBAs help unpack this, with the goal of replacing reactive responses with supportive ones.

What Does a Functional Behaviour Assessment Involve?

An FBA is a collaborative, multi-step process that may include:

1. Referral and Consent

Before starting, the practitioner gains informed consent and ensures the person (and their family or support team) understands the process and purpose.

2. Information Gathering

This may involve:

• Interviews with family members, teachers, support workers or therapists
• Reviewing reports, behaviour incident records, and past support plans
• Talking with the person themselves (in ways that suit their communication style)

3. Observation

The practitioner observes the person in different settings – such as home, school or the community – to identify patterns and triggers in real-life contexts. During observation, the ‘a b c’ method is often used as a data collection tool to record antecedents, behaviour, and consequences for analysis.

4. ABC Analysis

A common tool used in FBAs is the ABC model:

• A – Antecedent: What happens before the behaviour?
• B – Behaviour: What exactly does the behaviour look like?
• C – Consequences: What happens afterwards – what are the specific responses or outcomes that follow the behaviour?

This helps determine whether the behaviour is serving a function such as:

• Escaping an overwhelming situation
• Gaining attention or connection
• Accessing a preferred activity or item
• Meeting a sensory or emotional need

5. Hypothesis Development

Based on all the data, the practitioner forms a behaviour hypothesis – an educated, evidence-informed guess about why the behaviour occurs.

6. Reporting and Planning

The final step is creating a report that:

• Summarises the assessment findings
• Outlines clear recommendations
• Informs the development of a Positive Behaviour Support Plan

These strategies and recommendations are intended to be implemented consistently across different settings, ensuring thorough documentation and effective application.

This plan includes strategies to reduce the likelihood of behaviours occurring, teach new skills, and improve quality of life.

Why Is a Functional Behaviour Assessment So Important?

Without understanding why a behaviour occurs, any response is likely to be reactive, short-lived, or even harmful. An FBA helps:

• Reduce the use of restrictive practices
• Replace behaviours of concern with safer, more effective strategies
• Empower support teams with practical tools
• Improve relationships between the person and those around them
• Build long-term wellbeing, confidence and inclusion

At its core, a functional behaviour assessment is about seeing the whole person – not just their behaviour – and ensuring they are supported with dignity and understanding.

How Bloom Healthcare Uses Functional Behaviour Assessment

At Bloom Healthcare, our Behaviour Support Practitioners are trained in conducting functional behaviour assessments as part of our holistic PBS services. We work with children, teenagers and adults with a range of disabilities, neurodivergent conditions and support needs.

Our approach is:

• Person-centred – we work with, not on, the person
• Trauma-informed – we recognise how past experiences may shape behaviour
• Collaborative – we engage families, educators, therapists and support workers
• NDIS-aligned – our reports meet the requirements for PBS funding and reporting

We also work closely with other Bloom disciplines – including occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech pathologists – to ensure the person receives integrated, wraparound support.

Can You Access an FBA Through the NDIS?

Yes. Functional Behaviour Assessments are typically funded under the Capacity Building – Improved Relationships category of an NDIS plan. This funding can also be used for:

• Ongoing positive behaviour support
• Development of a PBS plan
• Staff training or implementation support
• Monitoring and reporting on restrictive practices (where required)

If you’re not sure how to access this support, Bloom Healthcare can assist with navigating funding pathways and preparing referral information.

Evaluating Outcomes and Refining Strategies

Evaluating the outcomes of a functional behaviour assessment (FBA) is a vital step in ensuring that behaviour support plans are truly effective in addressing challenging behaviours. This ongoing process allows teachers, behaviour analysts, and parents to monitor the student’s progress, identify patterns in observed behaviour, and make informed decisions about refining strategies and interventions.

A key part of this evaluation is systematic data collection. By gathering information on the frequency, duration, and intensity of the behaviour in measurable and observable terms, the FBA team can determine whether the current interventions are leading to positive changes. Tools such as scatter plots, ABC charts, and other data collection methods help to identify patterns and trends in the student’s behaviour, making it easier to evaluate the effectiveness of the behaviour support plans.

Having a clear definition of the behaviour being addressed is essential for accurate data collection and assessment. This clarity ensures that everyone involved-teachers, parents, and behaviour analysts-can consistently observe and record the behaviour, leading to more reliable evaluation outcomes. Regularly reviewing this data allows the team to determine if the function of the behaviour has changed or if the environment or interventions need to be adjusted.

When the data shows that the behaviour is not improving, or new patterns emerge, the FBA team collaborates to refine their approach. This might involve reassessing the possible function of the behaviour, developing new strategies, or modifying existing interventions to better address the student’s needs. Ongoing communication with parents and teachers is crucial, as their insights and observations provide valuable context and help ensure that the strategies are practical and sustainable in the classroom and at home.

Examples of effective evaluation methods include tracking the frequency and duration of the behaviour, using scatter plots to spot patterns, holding regular progress meetings with parents and teachers, and revising behaviour support plans as needed. Providing ongoing training and support to staff also helps maintain consistency and effectiveness in implementing interventions.

By continuously evaluating outcomes and refining strategies, the FBA process remains dynamic and responsive to the student’s changing needs. This approach not only helps to reduce challenging behaviours but also supports the development of a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Ultimately, ongoing assessment and collaboration empower everyone involved to create effective interventions that promote positive outcomes and lasting success for the student.

Looking Beyond the Behaviour

Challenging behaviour doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in a context – and it often carries a message. A Functional Behaviour Assessment helps uncover that message and translate it into action, compassion and practical support.

At Bloom Healthcare, we believe that understanding is the first step toward change. With the right insights and strategies, people with behaviours of concern can live safer, more connected and fulfilling lives – and so can the people who support them.

Learn more: Positive Behaviour Support at Bloom Healthcare