Functional Behaviour Assessment Reports
What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is an assessment used to understand why behaviours of concern occur and what causes them. The goal is to identify the purpose of the behaviour of concern and what they're trying to communicate or achieve through the behaviour. Once these are identified, supports can be designed to reduce distress, improve safety of the participant and the people around him, and develop helpful skills. At Allied Health 2U, FBAs are completed by qualified Behaviour Support Practitioners using evidence-based methods.
Why a Functional Behaviour Assessment Matters
Without good assessment, behaviour support is guesswork. The FBA is the base of every effective Behaviour Support Plan and the foundation of safe, ethical practice.
Identifies the Function
Understands what the behaviour is communicating or achieving for the person.
Informs the BSP
Provides the evidence needed for every strategy in the Behaviour Support Plan.
Reduces Trial and Error
A better assessment means interventions are more accurate.
Supports NDIS Compliance
An FBA is required for Behaviour Support Plans under NDIS guidelines.
An FBA Report typically includes:
background information and presenting concerns
data gathering (interviews, observations, record review)
behaviour description (the behaviour, frequency, intensity, duration)
triggers and setting events (what increases likelihood)
maintaining consequences (what reinforces behaviour)
hypothesis about the function of behaviour
risk considerations and immediate supports (where required)
practical recommendations and strategies for implementation
next steps to take (e.g., PBSP development, training, review schedule)
FBAs are commonly used to help children, adolescents, and adults with disability-related support needs, especially when behaviour is complex or escalating.
An FBA can assess many behaviours such as:
aggression, property damage, or verbal escalation
self-injury
refusal/avoidance, shutdowns, or distress
absconding / wandering
repetitive or rigid behaviours that can hinder daily life function
behaviours that are related to anxiety, sensory needs, communication difficulties, or transitions
We analyse patterns to understand what the person may be communicating or achieving through behaviour, commonly to:
escape/avoid demands or situations
gain attention or access to preferred items/activities
regulate sensory input
communicate any unmet needs or source of distress
cope with anxiety, pain, fatigue, or changes in routine
Yes. Practitioners at Allied Health 2U see the value of collaborating with key people involved in daily support: parents or carers, educators, support workers, support coordinators, and relevant clinicians. Working with the important people in the participant's life helps paint a holistic view of their situation. This can help improve the accuracy of the assessment, and ensure strategies are practical and applicable across any setting.
Often, yes. An FBA provides the assessment foundation needed to develop a PBSP.
The PBSP provides an outline of proactive supports, skill-building strategies, environmental adjustments, and response plans aligned to the function of behaviour.
FBA and related behaviour support may be accessed through NDIS funding where it aligns with plan goals and reasonable and necessary supports. If you have specific documentation requirements (e.g., for plan review or implementation), tell us at intake so we can align the report to the intended purpose.
Helpful information includes:
previous reports (OT/psychology/speech/medical) if available
behaviour incident records or ABC data (if you have it)
school notes, support worker logs, or communication books
current routines, triggers, and what has/has not helped
current medications (if relevant to presentation) and key health factors
If you don’t have documentation, that is fine. We can guide you.
Why Families and Support Coordinators Choose Us
Our Functional Behaviour Assessment Process
Every FBA we complete is grounded in evidence based assessment methods, careful observation, and collaboration with the people who know the participant best.
Background Information
We gather background information, presenting concerns, and any existing reports or assessments.
Data Gathering
Interviews, observations, record review and where appropriate, structured tools to understand the behaviour in context.
Hypothesis and Analysis
We analyse triggers, setting events and maintaining consequences, and develop a working hypothesis about the function of behaviour.
FBA Report
A clear, written report covering findings, risk considerations, practical recommendations and next steps for BSP development.
Related PBS Services
Explore the full Positive Behaviour Support pathway
Positive Behaviour Support
