Functional Analysis Explained
Functional Analysis Explained
What is a Functional Analysis? Detective Work!
Today, I want to talk about a behaviour analysis tool called Functional Analysis and explain how it helps us figure out why people do what they do. See, when we understand the reasons
behind behaviors, we can find better ways to intervene and make positive
changes.
A functional analysis is like detective work, trying to uncover the purpose a behavior serves for someone. Is it for attention, escaping something they don't like, getting stuff they want, or maybe it fulfills a sensory need? By finding alternative behaviors that meet the same needs, we can help people replace problematic behaviors with healthier ones. This approach has been successful in reducing things like self-injury, aggression, and property damage. There are many types of functional analysis methods. But for the purposes of this blog I will break them down into two main types - Traditional and New.
Traditional Functional Analysis
Traditional Functional Analysis methods are effective in
identifying the function of interfering behaviour. In a traditional experimental functional analysis, behaviour analysts test behaviour under different conditions - typically attention, escape, tangible, and sensory. There are some drawbacks to the traditional functional analysis, though. For one, it can be
time-consuming and impractical to do in settings where time and
resources are limited. Another potential problem with the traditional approach is that the testing conditions are contrived and is not an accurate representation of an individual's behaviour in
their natural environment. As a result, treatment plans based on traditional functional analysis methods may not always address the specific context and reasons why the behaviour
occurs.
New Functional Analysis
A Powerful Tool
Overall, a functional analysis is a powerful tool for understanding why a behaviour is happening and how to address it. By digging deep into our behaviour analysis tool box and using Functional Analysis, along with Dr. Hanley's HRE approach, we can better understand and address challenging behaviors. The traditional FA method is effective in identifying the function of interfering behaviour, but it has its drawbacks. Newer functional analysis approaches provide a quicker and more practical approach to understanding the function of behaviour.
If you're looking to determine the function of behaviour, the synthesized FA approach is worth discussing with your ABA therapy team. It's all about finding out the "why" behind those behaviors and helping individuals replace them with positive alternatives. Keep on learning and growing, and remember, there's always a way to make things better!
Ready to see how ABA in the GTA can make a difference for your family? Contact Us to find out!
Read a PDF article about the new FA approach here!
Watch a video on the new FA approach here
By: Julie Scher, BCBA
References:
Hanley, G. P., Jin, C. S., Thompson, N. R., & Becker, A. (2014). Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism via synthesized analyses and treatments. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(1), 16-36. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.106
Carr, J. E., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(2), 111-126. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111
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