Behaviours of concern are often a form of communication. Rather than focusing solely on what a person is doing, Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs) help uncover why behaviours are occurring and what support may be needed to improve quality of life.
Within the NDIS, FBAs are an important part of Positive Behaviour Support and help ensure supports are person-centred, proactive, and focused on improving outcomes.
What Is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a structured process used to understand the purpose behind behaviours of concern. It examines what happens before and after behaviours occur, while also considering factors such as communication, sensory needs, health, and the environment.
Instead of asking, "How do we stop this behaviour?", an FBA asks a much more meaningful question: "What is this person trying to communicate, and how can we better support them?"
Why Understanding the Cause Leads to Better Support
Understanding the reason behind a behaviour can change the way support is provided. Rather than reacting to behaviours as isolated incidents, an FBA helps uncover unmet needs and contributing factors that may be influencing them.
This deeper understanding allows families, support workers, and professionals to respond consistently, reduce the likelihood of behaviours escalating, and create supports that genuinely improve quality of life and participation.
Ultimately, an FBA shifts the focus from managing behaviours to understanding the person.
The Foundation of Positive Behaviour Support
Functional Behaviour Assessments provide the foundation for Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs). The information gathered helps Behaviour Support Practitioners identify strategies that reduce triggers, build skills, and promote safer and more supportive environments.
By understanding the function of behaviour, support teams can focus on teaching alternative ways to communicate needs and reducing reliance on restrictive practices wherever possible.
The goal is not simply to change behaviour, but to improve wellbeing, independence, and participation in everyday life.
Recognising When an FBA May Be Needed
A Functional Behaviour Assessment may be helpful when behaviours of concern are increasing, existing strategies are no longer effective, or support teams are struggling to understand what may be contributing to the behaviour.
It can also play an important role when restrictive practices are being considered or when communication, sensory, health, or environmental factors may be affecting a person's wellbeing.
Seeking support early often helps prevent situations from escalating and provides greater clarity for everyone involved.
Understanding the "Why" Creates Better Outcomes
At its core, a Functional Behaviour Assessment is about understanding the whole person, not simply the behaviour they display.
When behaviours are viewed as communication rather than something to be controlled, support becomes more compassionate, proactive, and person-centred. By understanding the "why", families and support teams can create environments that promote safety, dignity, and meaningful participation.
Because lasting change doesn't come from asking, "How do we stop this?" It comes from asking, "What does this person need, and how can we support them better?"
