For many families and carers of people with disability, there is low awareness about how Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can help improve the quality of life for their loved one.
Mosaic’s Behaviour Support Practitioner and Team Lead, Marie-Claire Doren Brevis breaks down the role of FBA and how it supports people using PBS.
“Simply put, a Functional Behaviour Assessment is a way to understand why someone behaves in a certain way, especially when the behaviour is challenging. It’s like being a detective to find out what causes the behaviour and what the person gets from it. Our goal is to replace a challenging behaviour with a positive one,” explains Marie-Claire.
For people using the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Functional Behaviour Assessment is a key part of Positive Behaviour Support.
What Is Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a structured process used to identify the reasons behind challenging behaviours.
Marie-Claire adds, “By understanding these reasons, our PBS practitioners develop strategies that not only reduce the need for restrictive practices but also introduce positive changes to help enhance a person’s daily life and wellbeing.”
This approach aligns with NDIS guidelines, which highlight the importance of identifying unmet needs and the functions of behaviours to inform effective and person-centred interventions.
How do FBAs work?
The Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) process involves several key steps that form the foundation of a comprehensive PBS plan:
- Assessment: Gathering information through observations, interviews, conversations with stakeholders and primary carers of the person, and reviewing past records.
- Observation: Identifying the ‘ABC’ of behaviours:
- Antecedent: What happens before the behaviour. For example, a person is asked to join a group activity.
- Behaviour: The observable action or behaviour itself. The adult becomes anxious and refuses to participate.
- Consequence: What happens after the behaviour. The support worker allows the person to leave the activity and have some quiet time.
“In this example, the adult learns that refusing to join the group activity leads to getting quiet time,” Marie-Claire explains.
- Analysis: Using the collected data to identify patterns and hypothesise the function of the behaviour. Marie-Claire adds, “In simple terms, this is the “why” behind the behaviour. After this step, the PBS practitioner can suggest potential positive replacement behaviours and set realistic, achievable goals.”
The following steps take place after the FBA process is complete as part of a person’s PBS journey:
- Intervention Planning: Developing a PBS plan with strategies to address the identified functions of the behaviour.
- Implementation: Applying the PBS plan and monitoring its effectiveness.
- Review and Adaptation: Continuously assessing and adjusting the plan based on outcomes and evolving needs.
Marie-Claire emphasises, “This process is highly collaborative, involving the individual, their family, carers, and support team to ensure all strategies are tailored and appropriate.”
Why Are FBAs Important?
Functional Behaviour Assessments are crucial for several reasons:
- Support That Fits: They help us understand each individual better and tailor supports accordingly.
- Making Daily Life Easier: By addressing the root causes of challenging behaviours, FBAs help individuals engage more positively in their communities and foster stronger relationships.
- Avoiding Crisis Situations: A quality FBA allows carers to avoid known triggers, identify low-risk environments, and prevent setting events that may lead to behaviours of concern.
- Helping Families Feel Confident: Families and carers are part of the process and are equipped with the knowledge and strategies they need to support their loved ones effectively.
Who Can Benefit from an FBA?
FBAs are helpful for both children and adults with disability, especially when behaviours of concern present risks to themselves or others.
They are particularly relevant for Autistic individuals, people with intellectual disability, and other conditions where behaviours can interfere with everyday life.
Real Life Example: Jason’s Story
Marie-Claire shares, “Jason, a 15-year-old with autism, regularly experienced crises in crowded or noisy environments. These settings acted as setting events for the behaviours of concern. An FBA helped identify the function behind these behaviours, mainly sensory overload and lack of control.”
A PBS plan was developed to address both triggers and setting events, incorporating tools like noise cancelling headphones, a sensory toolkit, and offering Jason more choice and control over his daily activities.
“As a result, the exhibition of the behaviours significantly reduced in both frequency and intensity, improving Jason’s wellbeing and reducing the need for reactive measures.”
Choosing the Right Provider for Your PBS Services
“While an FBA is an essential part of a comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan, it is only one piece of the puzzle,” says Marie-Claire.
An effective PBS service will include not just an assessment, but strategy development, implementation, and ongoing support.
When choosing a PBS provider, consider the following:
- Clarity: The practitioner explains the entire process clearly and simply.
- Setting Expectations: You are provided with realistic timelines and expectations.
- Relevant Experience: The practitioner is matched to your needs and has relevant expertise in that area.
- Effective Collaboration: Professionals work in partnership with families and carers to ensure strategies are appropriate and achievable.
- Addressing Complex Behaviours: The service is equipped to manage multifaceted behaviours with structured, evidence-based approaches.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Adaptation: Support strategies are continuously reviewed and adjusted to reflect changing needs and goals.
Marie-Claire says, “Our practitioners here at Mosaic deliver person-centred PBS services with a team approach that values your input and supports your loved one’s long-term success.”
Getting Started with Mosaic Community Care
If you or your loved one could benefit from Positive Behaviour Support, our team at Mosaic Community Care is here to help.
We offer expert, personalised support through the FBA process and PBS journey, ensuring that strategies are tailored to meet individual needs and promote positive outcomes.
To learn more or to get started, contact our friendly team on 08 9314 8900 or enquire online today. We are here to support you on your journey towards improved wellbeing and quality of life.