About this resource
A functional behaviour assessment depends on good information. This checklist helps teams prepare: consent and the person's involvement, records and health information, interviews with people who know the person well, planned observations and practical arrangements, so the behaviour support practitioner can focus on understanding the person.
Purpose
To make functional behaviour assessments more efficient and person-centred through good preparation.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Positive behaviour support practitioners. Also relevant for disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Behaviour support practitioners, support teams and families preparing for a functional behaviour assessment.
Practice setting: Behaviour support services across disability, education and community settings.
Suggested uses
- Preparing for a new referral
- Coordinating information from several services
- Planning observations across settings
- Supervising new behaviour support practitioners
Instructions for practitioners
- Confirm consent and how the person will be involved.
- Gather records, including health, communication and previous plans.
- Schedule interviews with people who know the person in different settings.
- Plan observations across times and places.
- Note gaps and questions for the assessment.
Accessibility considerations
Plan how the person will contribute, using their preferred communication.
Scope and limitations
A preparation checklist. It is not a functional behaviour assessment and does not replace the assessment itself or any regulatory requirements.
Research basis
Understanding what happens before and after behaviour is the basis of functional assessment, which guides support. Positive behaviour support aims to improve quality of life and reduce behaviours of concern by understanding their function and changing environments and skills.
- Allen, D., James, W., Evans, J., Hawkins, S., & Jenkins, R. (2005). Positive Behavioural Support: Definition, Current Status and Future Directions. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 10(2), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595474200500014
- Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2003). FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR: A REVIEW. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(2), 147–185. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2003.36-147
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
