When and Why Are Functional Behavior Assessments Done?

In our last post, we broke down what a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is—a systematic process for identifying the underlying reasons behind challenging behaviors. But when exactly should an FBA be conducted, and why is it so important?

When Is an FBA Needed?

FBAs are typically conducted when a person’s behavior significantly interferes with their ability to learn, engage with others, or function in daily life. This applies in both clinical and educational settings, but the context and approach can look different:

• In Schools: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates FBAs when a student’s behavior disrupts learning and may lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion. These assessments inform Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that help educators support students in the least restrictive environment.
• In Clinical Settings: BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) conduct FBAs when clients need individualized behavior support, often for autism therapy, developmental disabilities, or mental health concerns. Unlike school-based FBAs, clinical FBAs often involve more rigorous data collection and experimental analysis to fine-tune interventions.

Why Are FBAs So Important?

FBAs go beyond labeling behaviors as “bad”—they help us understand why a behavior is happening and how to support meaningful change. Without an FBA, interventions are often guesswork, leading to ineffective or even harmful approaches. For example:

🚫 Suspending a student for outbursts without understanding their communication challenges doesn’t address the root issue.
🚫 Using rewards without considering function might reinforce problem behavior instead of encouraging replacement skills.
✅ A well-conducted FBA leads to tailored interventions that empower individuals and improve outcomes for everyone involved.

The Problem: Barriers to High-Quality FBAs

Despite their importance, FBAs are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and inconsistently implemented. Many educators and clinicians lack the training or tools to conduct thorough assessments, and families often wait months for evaluations due to staffing shortages. This leads to inequitable access, where some children receive timely behavioral support while others fall through the cracks.

How curaJOY Is Streamlining the FBA Process

At curaJOY, we’re developing AI-powered tools to support educators and clinicians in conducting FBAs more efficiently and effectively. Our technology helps:

• 📊 Automate data collection through digital ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) tracking.
• 🔎 Analyze patterns and suggest hypotheses, reducing the cognitive load on professionals.
• 🛠️ Guide users through the FBA process step-by-step, ensuring best practices are followed.
• 🔄 Facilitate collaboration between parents, teachers, and behavior analysts to create better-informed BIPs.

By leveraging AI, curaJOY aims to make high-quality FBAs accessible to more children, ensuring that behavioral support is driven by data, not delays.

If you’ve experienced the FBA process—either in schools or clinics—we’d love to hear from you! What challenges have you encountered, and how do you think technology can help?