Unlocking Functional Behavior Assessments Funding

A mother once told me she felt like she was fighting battles on multiple fronts, barely holding on. Her 11-year-old son, bright and curious, had been labeled ‘disruptive’ at school. He wasn’t misbehaving on purpose—he just couldn’t sit still or follow directions like his classmates. When he pushed or shoved, she had to leave work to pick him up. Every phone call from school brings dread.

She tried everything the teachers suggested—behavior charts, rewards, consequences—but nothing worked. Some staff hinted at alternative placements. Others suggested medication. Then came the moment that broke her: The school talked of suspension. ‘We just don’t have the resources to manage his behaviors,’ they said.

That night, she sat at her kitchen table, staring at a stack of disciplinary notices, exhausted and defeated. She questioned everything—was it ADHD, something sensory, her parenting, even autism? Why was no one trying to understand his behavior instead of just punishing him for it?

Desperate for answers, she turned to parent forums, disability Facebook groups, and school district websites. That’s when she came across something she had never heard before—Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). And for the first time, she had a name for what her son needed.

But knowing about FBAs was only the first step. Now, she had to fight to get one.

What Is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?

A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a data-driven evaluation used to identify the reasons behind a child’s behavioral challenges. Instead of punishing behavior, an FBA helps schools and caregivers develop effective intervention plans tailored to the student’s needs.

Why is this important? Research shows that early behavioral assessments significantly reduce school suspensions, improve academic performance, and provide students with long-term coping skills.

Why Are FBAs Underutilized?

I hear stories like this all the time. Parents don’t usually find out about FBAs until they’re in crisis. Schools rarely bring them up unless a parent specifically asks, and even then, they might be told there aren’t enough staff to conduct them. They want to support students, but usually the staffing and specialty required to conduct an FBA is not there.

Too many families go through years of frustration or resort to hiring educational advocates before learning FBAs even exist. That’s not okay. Understanding a child’s behavior shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for the wealthy or those who know what to ask for. Every child is entitled to an education that meets their needs, and it is the responsibility of our educational system to ensure equitable access to appropriate support and services.

New Federal Guidance on FBAs & Funding Availability

Stories like this are why behavioral assessments aren’t just a ‘nice-to-have’—they’re essential. And policymakers are starting to recognize this too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Education have recently emphasized the importance of early, proactive behavioral assessments to reduce disciplinary actions, improve academic outcomes, and support students’ social-emotional development.

Additionally, new guidance from the U.S. Department of Education encourages schools to utilize FBAs more broadly to understand and address behaviors that interfere with learning. This guidance highlights various federal funding sources that can support the training and implementation of FBAs, including Titles I, II, and IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

While Medicaid and school districts have traditionally been primary payers, families and educators should be aware of additional sources of funding.

FBA Funding Sources to Explore

1. Private Insurance Companies

Many health insurance plans cover FBAs under Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy benefits, but coverage applies mainly to individuals with autism or developmental disabilities.

💡 Tip: If your insurance denies coverage, don’t take the first ‘no’ as final! Appeal the decision, ask your provider for a Letter of Medical Necessity, and check state mandates—many require insurers to cover ABA services, including FBAs.

2. State and Federal Education Programs

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Schools must conduct FBAs for eligible students with disabilities. IDEA Part B funds can cover FBA costs within an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Section 504 Plans (Rehabilitation Act of 1973): Students without an IEP but needing accommodations may have FBAs funded through general education budgets.
• Titles I, II, and IV of ESEA: These programs offer funding to support behavior interventions, teacher training, and school-wide behavioral support initiatives.

3. Early Intervention & State Medicaid Waivers

• Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Some states fund FBAs for children at risk of institutionalization or those needing intensive behavioral support.
• Early Intervention Programs (EI): State-funded programs may cover FBAs for children under age 3 when behavior impacts development.

4. State-Funded Behavioral Health Programs

Mental Health Block Grants (MHBGs): Federal SAMHSA grants fund behavioral health services, including FBAs, in some states. Others provide additional children’s mental health initiatives or crisis intervention programs that fund FBAs.

5. Regional Center

In some states, Regional Centers fund FBAs for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental conditions. They usually act as a last-resort payer when Medicaid or private insurance cannot cover costs. Families should work with a service coordinator to determine eligibility and request funding under an Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

6. Private Pay

Families can privately fund an independent FBA if they disagree with a school’s assessment. (It’s how I got my daughter’s first FBA ten years ago when we were still living in Taiwan!) Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) may help offset costs.

7. Juvenile Justice & Foster Care Systems

Juvenile justice programs fund FBAs for at-risk youth needing behavioral interventions. Child welfare agencies also may fund FBAs for children in foster care.

Expanding Access to FBAs

Organizations like curaJOY are committed to expanding access to behavioral health support for marginalized communities. Some nonprofits like Autism Speaks, The Arc, Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) also provide grants to families needing FBAs.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Navigating the system to secure an FBA (or any psychoeducational support) can be exhausting, and sometimes, it feels like doors are closing left and right. But here’s the thing: your child deserves the right support, and you have options. Keep asking questions. Connect with local parent advocates and nonprofits. If one funding source doesn’t work, try another. And if you need guidance, get in touch.

Take These Steps Today:

👁️ Check your school district’s policies—Some districts list FBA request procedures online.
‼️ Submit a formal written request—Verbal requests can be ignored; written ones trigger legal timelines.
✅ Explore alternative funding sources—If your school won’t conduct an FBA, look into insurance, Medicaid, or grants.

Have you successfully secured funding for an FBA? Share your experience in the comments or reach out—I’d love to hear what worked for you!