1	Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Using a Functional Behavioral Assessment to Understand Behavior
2	"PACER Center" PACER Center 8161 Normandale Blvd Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044 Phone: 952-838-9000 Fax: 952-838-0199 Toll free: 888-248-0822 PACER@PACER.org PACER.org Executive Director: Paula Goldberg Written by: Renelle Nelson Edited by: Julie Holmquist
3	Understanding behavior Behavior is communication Behavior may result from a physical condition (non-purposeful) Behavior may result from an unmet need (purposeful)
4	Understanding behavior There is logic behind the behaviors of children Our challenge is to understand why the behavior is happening
5	Functional Behavior Assessment A process for collecting data: to determine the possible cause of problem behaviors to develop strategies to change the behaviors to create a plan that is proactive
6	The 7 Steps of a Functional Behavior Assessment What is the behavior of concern? Where does the behavior occur and not occur? What happens before the behavior occurs? Is there a consistent pattern? Can it be predicted?
7	7 Steps to a Functional Behavior Assessment What does the child achieve by using the behavior? What are some possible reasons for the behavior? What replacement behaviors can be taught that meet the child’s needs ?
8	Positive Behavior Interventions A proactive plan that focuses on reinforcing appropriate behavior skills Includes making changes in environments that reduce or eliminate inappropriate behaviors Includes the replacement of problem behavior with appropriate behaviors that meet the child’s needs
9	Positive Behavior Interventions Includes skills training to increase rates of appropriate behaviors Includes support for the child to use the appropriate behaviors across environments A positive intervention plan is NOT the same as a discipline plan!
10	Functional Behavior Assessment and Positive Behavior Interventions A functional assessment, properly done, will provide information about why a specific behavior is occurring. That information is then used to develop an intervention that teaches the child more acceptable ways to get his or her needs met.
11	In Summary The Functional Behavior Assessment is a way to collect data on why problem behavior occurs Positive interventions including teaching and reinforcement help change problem behavior Helping your child learn appropriate behavior skills contributes to better conduct at home, school and in the community.