Instruction in Functional Assessment, 2014a

Instruction in Functional Assessment Chapter 7
For the purposes of this book, we have chosen to take an inclusive and interdisciplinary
approach. We view challenging behaviors as the focus of professionals’ analysis and
intervention. Clients or students are not problems, but rather coping as best as possible
in their environment. Most often these challenging behaviors serve a communication
function. These individuals need interdisciplinary professionals who assist them and
their families to effectively learn new desirable behavior. This blended, interdisciplinary
approach is person centered and proactively supports the family and the child using
effective functional assessment processes and approaches.
The following materials may be helpful either as secondary sources of information for
teaching FA, or as performance-based resources that go further in depth in developing
students’ FA knowledge and skills.
Blank Templates
Functions of Behavior Template
List some examples of challenging behaviors that serve the function indicated in the
cells below.
Sensory/Automatic
To Avoid/Escape
To Obtain
Social
Tangibles
Adapted from Umbreit, J., Ferro, J., Liaupsin, C. J., & Lane, K. L. (2007). Functional behavioral assessment and
function-based intervention: An effective, practical approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Press. Figure 5.3,
page 84.
Functionally-equivalent
replacement behaviors
Sensory/Automatic
To Avoid/Escape
To Obtain
Social
Tangibles
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