Behind The Scenes Of A Functional Behaviour Analysis Report

What actually happens during a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?

If you're picturing clipboards, behaviour charts, and someone in the corner taking notes... you’re only seeing part of the picture.

As a Positive Behaviour Support practitioner, the FBA is one of the most powerful tools I use, but not because it’s clinical. Because it’s human.

Here’s a peek at what it involves:

We Observe, But We Also Connect

Yes, we watch for patterns: what happens before a behaviour, what comes after, and how often. But just as importantly, we watch for strengths, preferences, relationships, and unmet needs.

We Ask the Right Questions.

We communicate with family, support workers, teachers, and above all the person we are supporting.

We don’t just ask, “What’s the behaviour?” We ask:

“What’s the person trying to tell us?”
“What does a good day look like?”
“What helps them feel safe, seen, and heard?”

We Co-Create the Understanding

The FBA isn’t something we do to a person, it’s something we build with them. The insights, strategies, and reflections are co-created with the individual and their support team. Because they know themselves best. And we listen.

We Piece Together the Puzzle

We analyse data, yes. But the real magic happens when we start to see what the behaviour is communicating whether it’s about escape, connection, control, or something deeper.

We Build a Story, Not Just a Plan

The assessment informs a Behaviour Support Plan, but that plan isn’t a rulebook and it’s a roadmap. One that guides teams with compassion, clarity, and strategies grounded in human dignity.

Because behaviour isn’t “bad.”

It’s information.

And when we understand the “why,” we can support the whole person - together.