Understanding Functional Behavior Assessments: A Path Forward For Your Family
Hey there, if you’ve been lying awake at night wondering why your child struggles with certain behaviors, you’re not alone.
(Those 3 AM worry sessions? We’ve all been there.)
Let’s talk about something that might just help bring some clarity to your situation:
A Functional Behavior Assessment, or FBA for short.
What’s an FBA, Really?
Think of it as being like a detective story, but instead of solving a mystery…
We’re uncovering the “why” behind behaviors that have you concerned.
Pretty valuable stuff, right?
Here’s the thing about behavior, it’s always trying to tell us something.
An FBA helps us become fluent in this language.
Like having a translator for those moments when you’re thinking…
“I just wish I knew what was going on in their mind!”
Is This What Your Child Needs?
You might be nodding along if your child:
- Struggles with transitions (those morning routines feel impossible?)
- Has trouble expressing needs (leading to frustrating moments for everyone)
- Shows behaviors that impact learning or friendships
- Seems stuck in patterns despite everything you’ve tried
Pro tip: If any of these sound familiar, you’re already taking the right step by learning more.
(Pat yourself on the back, seriously!)
How Does It Actually Work?
Let me break down this “detective work” into real-world steps (because nobody needs more complicated explanations in their life, right?).
- Gathering Clues
- We talk with you (because you’re the expert on your child)
- We observe in different settings
- We collect information about when behaviors happen (and when they don’t)
- Making Connections We’re looking at four key questions:
- What happens right before?
- What does the behavior look like exactly?
- What happens right after?
- Are there any patterns we can spot?
A Real Story That Might Sound Familiar
Let me share something that might hit home.
We worked with a family (details changed for privacy) whose son Eric was having daily meltdowns during homework time.
Know what we discovered?
It wasn’t the homework itself, it was seeing a full page of problems that felt overwhelming.
Once we broke it into smaller chunks with breaks in between, those meltdowns practically disappeared.
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference, right?
Your Role as the Expert
Here’s something crucial I need you to understand.
You know your child better than anyone.
That’s not just a nice saying, it’s the foundation of making this process work.
Think about it:
- You know their history
- You’ve seen what works (and what definitely doesn’t)
- You understand their daily rhythms
- You can spot the subtle signs others might miss
Common Questions (Because I Know You’re Wondering)
“Will this label my child?” Absolutely not!
Think of it more like creating a roadmap than applying a label.
“How long does this take?” Usually 2-4 weeks.
We take our time to get a complete picture, because rushing rarely leads to good solutions, right?
“What happens after?” That’s when the magic happens!
We create a practical plan specifically for your family. No one-size-fits-all approaches here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Listen, I know adding one more thing to your plate might feel impossible right now.
But here’s what makes an FBA different.
It’s not about adding more work, it’s about making everything else easier.
If you’re thinking, “This might be what we need,” here’s how to move forward:
✅ Give us a call at 757-965-4899
✅ Send an email to info@cdsva.com
✅ Access our Free Guide: A Caregiver’s Guide to Inclusive Support
Remember this.
Understanding behavior is just the first step.
The real goal? Helping your child (and your whole family) thrive.
What questions do you have?
We’re here to help you figure out if an FBA is right for your family.
No pressure, just honest conversation about what might help.
Because at the end of the day, you’re not just looking for answers, you’re looking for hope.
And we’re here to help you find both.
