When a child with autism exhibits challenging behaviors—such as tantrums, aggression, or withdrawal—parents naturally want to know why. These behaviors can feel unpredictable and stressful, especially when they impact daily routines or school participation. But all behavior has a purpose, and understanding that purpose is the key to making meaningful change. That’s where a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) comes in.
FBAs are an essential component of autism treatment and behavioral intervention, especially when conducted as part of a larger ABA therapy program. At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we provide FBAs for children with autism in New Haven County, CT, including Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
In this blog, we’ll explain what FBAs are, why they matter, what to expect during the process, and how parents play a critical role. Plus, we’ll highlight ways to support children through transitions and commemorations—like Memorial Day—which may impact behavior or routines.
What Is a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)?
A Functional Behavioral Assessment is a structured process used to identify the purpose or function of a child’s behavior. Rather than focusing on what the behavior looks like (e.g., screaming or hitting), an FBA looks deeper: What is the child trying to communicate? What do they gain or avoid by behaving this way?
An FBA helps answer these questions by examining:
- Antecedents: What happens before the behavior?
- Behavior: What is the specific behavior of concern?
- Consequences: What happens after the behavior that may be reinforcing it?
This approach is often referred to as the ABC model (Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence) and is foundational to ABA therapy.
Why Are FBAs Important for Children with Autism?
Children with autism may have difficulty expressing their needs verbally. As a result, behaviors often become a form of communication—whether it’s avoiding an overwhelming task, seeking attention, or responding to a sensory experience. An FBA helps identify why a behavior is happening so that a more effective, compassionate intervention can be designed.
Benefits of an FBA include:
- Reducing disruptive behaviors by addressing root causes
- Developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) tailored to your child’s needs
- Teaching replacement behaviors that are more functional and appropriate
- Supporting better communication, emotional regulation, and independence
FBAs are especially valuable when behaviors interfere with learning, relationships, or participation in school or community activities.
What Happens During an FBA?
At Solstice, an FBA typically involves the following steps:
1. Interview and Intake
Parents, teachers, and caregivers are asked to share detailed information about the child’s behavior. This includes when and where the behavior occurs, what seems to trigger it, and how adults usually respond.
2. Direct Observation
A trained behavior analyst observes the child in natural settings—such as home, school, or therapy sessions—to gather data on patterns and triggers. This may include structured assessments or video modeling to support analysis.
3. Data Analysis and Hypothesis Development
Using the ABC model and evidence gathered, the behavior analyst identifies the function of the behavior. Common functions include:
- Escape or avoidance (of a task or environment)
- Access to attention
- Access to tangible items or activities
- Sensory stimulation or regulation
4. Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
Based on findings, a customized BIP is created. This plan includes:
- Prevention strategies (e.g., modifying environments or tasks)
- Teaching alternative skills (e.g., using words or visuals to ask for a break)
- Reinforcement plans to encourage positive behavior
- Responses for when challenging behaviors occur
The plan is shared with caregivers, therapists, and educators to ensure consistency across settings.
How Parents Are Involved
Parents are essential partners in the FBA process. You know your child best, and your input ensures the assessment is both accurate and meaningful. At Solstice, we offer parent training and coaching to help you understand behavior patterns, implement strategies at home, and celebrate progress.
We also provide telehealth options for families in more remote areas or those needing scheduling flexibility.
Memorial Day and Managing Transitions
As Memorial Day approaches, families often participate in cookouts, parades, or travel—which can bring sudden changes to routines. For children with autism, these changes may lead to increased anxiety or behavioral disruptions.
Tips for supporting your child during Memorial Day:
- Use visual schedules to prepare for changes
- Practice scripts or social stories about what to expect at events
- Plan sensory-friendly breaks during outings
- Offer choices to give your child a sense of control
- Stick to core routines like meals and bedtime when possible
If your child is sensitive to loud sounds, consider noise-canceling headphones or skipping fireworks displays in favor of a quiet activity.
Solstice clinicians can work with families ahead of holidays to help prepare for transitions and manage challenging behaviors in advance.
Conclusion
Understanding the “why” behind your child’s behavior is the first step toward creating meaningful, lasting change. A Functional Behavioral Assessment offers clarity, direction, and a pathway forward—rooted in evidence and personalized to your child’s needs.
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we proudly provide FBAs, ABA therapy, parent training, and more across New Haven County, serving cities like Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. Our goal is to help your child grow, communicate, and thrive—at home, in school, and in the community.
To learn more or schedule an assessment, contact us today at (203) 900-4720. We’re here to help your family take the next step—this Memorial Day and every day.
