What is FBA? Explain two functions of behavior with an example for each function

FBA is a combination of strategies used in the assessment of interactions between the environment and a particular behavior in forming an educated guess regarding the function of the behavior. Ideally, it encompasses different methods in identifying ecological and behavioral information. There are several methods of conducting FBA all of which attain the same objective albeit with slight difference in terminology. Regardless of the model in use, the process involves the collection of information pertaining to the behavior and environment as well as the formulation of hypotheses on the function of behavior. Information collected from the initial FBA stages is used in determining the behavior. In addition, it helps in painting a picture of where, when, with whom and with what the student is most probable to show the identified behavior.

The functions of behavior are grouped into two different types based on the objective. The first function is the obtaining of a desirable outcome and is motivated by an urge to attain a desirable thing. For instance, a student may start hitting their desk in a bid to obtain attention from their teacher. The second function has to do with the escape from an undesirable thing. In this type of function, students are motivated to behave in a certain manner in their attempt to avoid an undesirable aspect. Still, another student may be motivated to work harder by the fact that they are receiving praise from their teacher. This way, the student avoids the scenario for being labeled a failure in class. The two examples portray an attempt to obtain something desirable albeit through different functions.

Explain how you can assess a child’s environment in a 3-term contingency (A-B-C)

The assessment of environment is an important step in the process of FBA as it relates to the factors that affect the student’s behavior. The process of information gathering is conducted through a systematic process. The first step is the identification of antecedents including events in the environment that must occur before the occurrence of the behavior (Ryan et al, 2003). These events would be identified as those that affect the response of the child as exhibited in their behavior. The second step is the identification of consequences resulting from the behavior. These are identified as the events occurring immediately after the execution of the behavior. Finally, the last step would be the identification of setting events and that fall in the same category as the first step. In this step, events that occur earlier in time are identified for their prospect in determining the probability of a certain behavior to occur.

Explain the FBA procedure by summarizing specifics of individual stages

The FBA procedure is systematic and follows a clearly laid down procedure. The first step is the assessment of the environment including antecedents, consequences and setting events. In the next step, the behavior is assessed including the category of the specific behavioral function. After completion of these assessments, the hypothesis is generated from the collected descriptive data. These educated guesses are used in developing custom interventions for the specific students.

Do you think behavioral interventions based on FBA address problem behaviors of children with disabilities? Why or why not? You can apply this question to the children you currently have.

The process of FBA has wide applications in addressing behavioral problems among children. The specificity with which the concept is used provides for an opportunity to use it in assessing children with disabilities. These children, as any other, exhibit behavior that is induced by the different events in the environment. Consequently, FBA would be an ideal bet in assessing behavioral problems among children with disabilities. The students I currently handle are faced with different disabilities and the success of FBA would depend on the individual students. Although the factors that affect the behavior in children with disabilities are different, the scope of FBA application is similar and would predict the behavior patterns effectively. However, there are bound to be problems since their behavioral patterns are affected by overlapping factors in the environment.

Reference

Ryan, A. L., Halsey, H. N., & Matthews, W. J. (2003). Using functional assessment to promote desirable student behavior in schools. Teaching Exceptional Children, 35(5), 8.

 
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