Functional Behaviour Assessments and Skill Based Treament

The process of disseminating a practical means of determining the occasioning contexts and outcomes responsible for problem behaviours associated with autism is generally referred to as a functional assessment.

The process involves an informed interview with caregivers and those that work closley with the learner.
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The process also involves functional behaviour analysis, usually occurring over one or two visits. 

Functional analysis involves practitioners changing what happens before and after the behaviour. This method can help to indicate what might be causing the behaviour and also predict when the behaviour will likely occur.
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Practical functional assessments exist to identify the root cause of why problem behaviour exists. They are designed to be safe, dignified and centered on rapport building.

The process is collaborative and involves observation techniques, meaningful questions and analysis of a child’s skills and behaviours involved with everyday routines in various situations and settings.

Conducting a practical functional assessment is the first step to developing skill-based treatment.

Skill-based treatment follows directly after a practical functional assessment and is used to understand what is reinforcing a child’s problematic behaviour in order to teach them new skills that are safe and effective.

Skill-based treatment generally consists of teaching children various coping strategies such as frustration techniques, communication and a range of appropriate behaviours in multiple situations. These can include:

Skill-based treatment can be highly effective for children exhibiting problem behaviour through repeated practice and skill-building with a trained professional.

The overall goal of practical functional assessments and skill-based treatment is to teach children to behave safely and productively in various settings and situations in life.