ABA Services
Understanding why a behavior happens is the first step to changing it. Our BCBAs conduct rigorous, compassionate FBAs to uncover the function of challenging behavior.
Overview
A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a systematic, evidence-based clinical process conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to identify why a challenging behavior is occurring — not just what the behavior looks like.
All behavior serves a purpose. A child who hits, runs away, screams, or refuses to comply is communicating a need — the FBA uncovers what that need is. Once we know the function of the behavior, we can build an ethical, personalized intervention plan that actually works by teaching more appropriate ways to meet that same need.
Without an FBA, behavior intervention plans are often ineffective or even counterproductive because they address the behavior without addressing its cause. Our BCBAs use the FBA as the foundation for every Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) we write.
"Every behavior happens for a reason. Our job is to find that reason — and help the child find a better way to meet the same need."
Behavior Science
Research shows that virtually all behavior serves one of four functions. Understanding which function drives a behavior is the key to changing it.
Social reinforcement
The behavior results in social attention from others — whether positive (praise) or negative (being scolded). For children who feel ignored or seek connection, attention-motivated behaviors are common. The solution is teaching appropriate ways to request attention.
Negative reinforcement
The behavior helps the child get away from or avoid a demand, task, person, or situation they find aversive. If tantrums consistently end a difficult task, the child learns that tantruming works. The fix is building tolerance and teaching appropriate requests to break.
Tangible reinforcement
The behavior results in the child obtaining a desired item, activity, or sensory experience. When a child screams and receives their preferred snack or toy, the behavior is reinforced by access. We teach functional communication skills to replace these behaviors.
Automatic reinforcement
The behavior feels good or is self-stimulatory, regardless of anyone else's reactions. The sensory input itself is the reward — rocking, spinning, hand-flapping, or other repetitive behaviors often serve this function. Intervention focuses on finding safe alternatives with similar sensory input.
How We Work
Our FBA process is thorough, collaborative, and family-centered. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
A parent, caregiver, school, or healthcare provider contacts Archways ABA to request an FBA. We gather basic information about the child, the behaviors of concern, and the settings where they occur. Insurance verification is completed at this stage.
Our BCBA conducts in-depth structured interviews with parents, teachers, and other caregivers using validated tools such as the Functional Assessment Interview (FAI). These interviews identify the behavior, its antecedents, consequences, and the contexts in which it is most likely to occur.
The BCBA observes the child in their natural environments — at home, at school, or in community settings — to directly witness the behavior in context. Observations capture the antecedents (what happens before), the behavior itself, and the consequences (what happens after).
Across multiple observation sessions, the BCBA records data using standardized data collection tools — tracking frequency, duration, intensity, and the conditions surrounding each occurrence. This data reveals patterns that inform the functional hypothesis.
Using all collected information, the BCBA develops a summary statement (functional hypothesis) identifying the most likely function of the behavior. This hypothesis explains the behavior in the form: "When [antecedent], the child engages in [behavior], because it results in [function]."
The BCBA delivers a comprehensive written FBA report and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) tailored to the child's specific behavior, function, and setting. The report is reviewed with the family in detail, and caregiver training is provided to support BIP implementation.
Deliverables
An Archways ABA FBA is not just a checkbox — it is a comprehensive clinical package designed to give families, schools, and providers everything they need to move forward effectively.
Questions
The timeline for a complete FBA depends on the complexity of the behavior, the number of settings involved, and scheduling logistics. Most FBAs take between 3 and 6 weeks from intake to delivery of the written report. This includes time for caregiver interviews, multiple direct observation sessions (typically 3–5), data analysis, report writing, and the feedback meeting with the family. We work efficiently without cutting corners — a thorough FBA leads to a more effective intervention plan.
In most cases, yes. An FBA is a standard component of ABA therapy and is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and many commercial insurers. Many insurance companies require an FBA before authorizing ABA therapy services. Our intake team will verify your specific benefits before any assessment begins, so there are no billing surprises. Contact us and we will confirm your coverage at no cost.
Not necessarily. An FBA is a clinical assessment of behavior — it is relevant for any child (or adult) experiencing significant challenging behaviors, regardless of diagnosis. However, for insurance coverage, a formal diagnosis is typically required. Children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, or other conditions may all benefit from an FBA. Contact us to discuss your child's specific situation and we can help determine whether an FBA is the right next step.
Get Started
Contact us today to discuss an FBA for your child. Our team will verify your insurance, answer every question, and guide you through the process from start to finish.