Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
A process to understand why your child behaves in certain ways. It looks at what happens before and after a behavior to identify triggers and what the child gets from the behavior, so the team can develop better strategies.
Related Terms
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A plan that describes specific strategies and supports to address challenging behaviors identified through a Functional Behavioral Assessment. It focuses on teaching replacement behaviors and preventing problem behaviors.
Behavior Intervention
Strategies and supports designed to help your child learn appropriate behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors. These should be positive and proactive rather than punitive.
FBA in context
Functional Behavioral Assessment comes up across the IEP process — in your IEP document, during meeting prep, and in the federal rights that protect your child. IEP Ally explains where it shows up and what to do about it.
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Upload Your IEP — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.