FBA? (Tzoya, maybe?) | Autism PDD

Another good link for FBA's and BIP's is cecp.air.org I have no idea why there is no www, but there isn't.

Thanks forthe compliment, Mamasquash. I got my Master's in Education back in 1975, BEFORE special education was a Federal requirement. My specialty at the time was "Crisis Resource Management." That's the grandmother of BCBA. Even back in the mid-70's we were taught how to do FBA's, so this is definitely NOT something new. I think it's a GREAT tool. In fact, doing a mental FBA when we're trying to figure out the behavior of a peer of OURS (like our boss or our spouse) can work wonders in helping us understand them, too!

I suggested an FBA for my daughter and the ESE specialist looked at me with a blank face like I was speaking gibberish. I swear the crickets were chirping.

I was just wondering a little bit more about FBA's...is this something the school legally has to provide if I ask for it? (We are in WI, I don't know if it varies by state?) I suppose I should ask in writing?

Also I am wondering when I ask for this, do you think this is something they (school) might be offended by? Like I don't think they have what it takes to provide for Mason...or are they going to look at it like I'm just trying to help him in anyway possible.

The reason I am asking is because this is a new school and team for him this year...granted his behavior is picking up right where we left off last year, but in all honesty the school has been trying really hard to help Mason, they and I just haven't been able to find how to help him. I just don't want this to cause problems with the trust we have so far.

His spec. ed teacher and the aide asked for permission to bring in a different teacher to observe Mason. They said they knew a woman that has been a spec. ed teacher for over 25 years and they thought she might have some advice on how to help Mason...so I thought I would wait a little while and see what this other woman has to say, and this is sort of a long the same thing as a FBA, right?

I'm just wondering why the schools have never suggested a FBA to me before, that's why I'm concerned that they might look at it offensively. Or maybe it's just a financial thing, and they can't recommend them?

Anyway, just curious about this, and any advice would be so appriciated! Thanks all!

I am in WI, I found the DPI website page for FBA, it is very informative. I hope it helps. I am sure Tzoya can also give you really great info, but you maywant to review this and then if you have more questions you can ask her. I think Wrightslaw has some good info on this also.

http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/sbfba.html

FBA = Functional behavioral assessment. It's a formal observation done in writing. The observer takes data when a targeted behavior occurs. For example, if a child screams. The observer notices the scream and writes down the time. Obs. then writes down what happened IMMEDIATELY before the scream and IMMEDIATELY after the scream. This observation and data gathering happens over a predetermined period of time. For example, all day or all after noon or during lunch every day for a week -- whenever the behavior is most likely to occur. Then, once a lot of data is taken, the observer analyzes the data to see if there is a pattern, which there typically is. The pattern will generally reveal the REASON for the behavior. For example, if a child screams every time he has to go to music class and then he is removed for a time out, thereby missing a portion of music class and the screaming behavior continues DESPITE the consequences, it can safely be assumed that the consequence is actually acting as a REWARD, thereby INCREASING the undesirable behavior. In this case, allowing the child to escape music class. The FUNCTION of the screaming is ESCAPE. This information is critical in developing a positive Behavior Intervention Plan.

Yes, the IDEA 2004 provides for FBAs and BIPs. To learn more, search Functional Behavioral Assessment at www.wrightslaw.com

Excellent explanation tzoya! You really need to make sure the person doing the FBA is trained and knows what they are doing. Typically, this would be a BCBA (board certified behavior analyst). I have seen other people doing an "FBA" and they had no real understanding of running the test conditions, collecting the data, checking for the statistical relevence, etc. And yes.....I think all of our kiddos should have them. I am in the process of running them on all 25 students in my program!!

Thank you so much all!! And yes, that was a great explanation Tzoya! I will be requesting this from the school very soon. I want to read over a few more of the things from wrightslaw and Dawn's link, so I make sure I do this just right!!

Thanks again!!