A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a special evaluation the school does to figure out why a child is having certain behaviors and what the child is trying to communicate through those behaviors. It is NOT a punishment. It is NOT just watching your child once. It is NOT the same thing as discipline. An FBA is a legal, formal evaluation under IDEA. Think of an FBA like detective work The school becomes a detective and asks: 1. What exactly is the behavior? (ex: leaving seat, hurting others, shutting down, meltdowns, running away, refusal, eating non-food items like crayons) 2. When does it happen? (classroom, transitions, recess, lunch, independent work) 3. Why is the behavior happening? Kids don’t act out for “no reason.” Behavior ALWAYS has a purpose. The FBA finds out whether the behavior is happening because the child wants: ⭐ Attention ⭐ Escape (to avoid a task or environment) ⭐ Sensory input (stimming, seeking pressure, chewing) ⭐ Access to something (tablet, toys, food) What does an FBA include? A proper FBA includes: ✔ Observations in multiple settings ✔ Interviews with parent, teacher, and staff ✔ Data collection (how often, what triggers it, what happens after) ✔ Review of work, IEP, discipline records ✔ A written report ✔ Recommendations for supports and interventions Why is an FBA important? Because it tells the school: 👉 What is causing the behavior 👉 What the child needs 👉 What supports, accommodations, and teaching strategies will help 👉 What changes are needed in the environment It leads to a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)—a legal plan that tells the school exactly how to support your child.