Functional Behavior Assessment
FBA
In Plain Language
A systematic process for understanding behavior and the conditions that may maintain it.
ABA Definition
An assessment process integrating information such as interviews, direct observations, and, when appropriate, experimental analysis to identify functional relations and guide support.
Everyday Example
A team gathers information from several routines instead of guessing from one difficult afternoon.
ABA Example
A clinician combines interviews and observations to develop and evaluate a hypothesis about what maintains a response.
How It May Be Used
Descriptive information suggests hypotheses; experimental analysis can test causal relations.