--- title: "Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)" slug: "functional-behavior-assessment-fba-1" updated: 2026-02-20T21:21:57Z published: 2026-02-20T21:21:57Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/functional-behavior-assessment-fba-1" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-MW4WWMW9.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-14T04%3A19%3A46Z&se=2026-10-14T05%3A19%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdpVmdZjWoUfWXW06CbIEnxuWwYj3oq8HuAliZYemz0%3D) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-14T04%3A19%3A46Z&se=2026-10-14T05%3A19%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdpVmdZjWoUfWXW06CbIEnxuWwYj3oq8HuAliZYemz0%3D)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-14T04%3A19%3A46Z&se=2026-10-14T05%3A19%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdpVmdZjWoUfWXW06CbIEnxuWwYj3oq8HuAliZYemz0%3D)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

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 ***Information and Resources for Families*** A **Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)** is a structured process used by trained behavior specialists -such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or school district teams- to understand why a child is engaging in challenging or unexpected behaviors. While CPCMG does not conduct FBAs, we want to ensure families have the information and resources needed to access this support when it is recommended. > **What Is the Purpose of an FBA?** Every behavior has a purpose, even when it appears unpredictable or difficult. An FBA helps identify the reason behind the behavior so families and providers can better support the child. An FBA looks at: - What happens before the behavior (triggers) - What the behavior looks like - What happens after the behavior (responses from others) - What the child may be gaining or avoiding FBAs look at the ABCs of behavior - Antecedents (A) - what activates or triggers the behavior - Behavior (B) - description of the behaviors that are challenging - Consequences (C) - how people are responding to your child’s behavior Understanding these patterns is the first step in addressing behaviors effectively and compassionately. ****What an FBA** **Includes**** A complete Functional Behavior Assessment often involves: > **1. Family Interviews** Families play a central role. You may be asked about: - Daily routines - What usually leads up to the behavior - What helps or worsens the situation - Caregivers know the child best - your insight guides the process. > **2. Observations** A trained professional observes the child in natural settings such as home, school, or community. They look for: - Patterns - Environmental factors - How adults and other children respond > **3. Data Collection** This can include: - Frequency (how often it happens) - Duration (how long it lasts) - Intensity (how strong it is) - Circumstances around the behavior - The goal is to find why the behavior keeps occurring. > **4. Identifying the Function of the Behavior** Most behaviors fall into one of four categories: - Seeking **attention** - Attempting to **escape or avoid** something - Trying to **get an item or activity** - Meeting a **sensory or regulation need** Once the function is identified, a plan can be created to better support the child. ****How an FBA Helps**** An FBA can lead to: - More effective behavior strategies - Improved communication skills - Reduced stress at home and school - Increased safety - Greater consistency across caregivers, teachers, and providers Most importantly, an FBA helps adults understand the *needs* behind the behavior instead of focusing only on the behavior itself. ****What Happens After an FBA?**** The results are used to create a **Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)** or support plan tailored to the child. This includes: **1. Prevention Strategies** Adjusting routines or environment to reduce triggers. **2. Replacement Skills** Teaching the child safer, more effective ways to communicate or cope. **3. Supportive Responses** Guiding how adults should respond during challenging moments to avoid reinforcing the behavior. **4. Positive Reinforcement** Building up the child’s strengths and celebrating progress. ****Who Provides FBAs?**** Families typically access FBAs through: - School Districts (as part of special education evaluation when appropriate) - ABA Therapy Providers (for children eligible for Applied Behavior Analysis) - Licensed Behavioral Health Professionals in the community Insurance coverage and eligibility vary by program and provider. ****Sample letter to Request a Functional Behavioral Assessment**** PAVE provides a Sample Letter to Request a Functional Behavioral Assessment to help families formally ask the school to assess their child’s behavior and consider how to thoughtfully build a behavior support plan. Click here for Sample letter: [https://wapave.org/sample-letter-to-request-a-functional-behavioral-assessment/](https://wapave.org/sample-letter-to-request-a-functional-behavioral-assessment/) > [!NOTE] > **How to participate in the FBA/BIP process** > > Click here: [https://wapave.org/behavior-and-school-how-to-participate-in-the-fba-bip-process/](https://wapave.org/behavior-and-school-how-to-participate-in-the-fba-bip-process/) **Where to Find FBA Resources** Families can look into: - School district special education departments (for school-based evaluations) - FBAs can be requested through an IEP or 504 Plan process - Conducted by school psychologists or behavior specialists - No cost to families if eligibility criteria are met - Behavioral health insurance networks - FBAs as part of psychological or neuropsychological evaluations - Especially helpful when behavior overlaps with emotional, developmental, or cognitive concerns - Often private pay or partially reimbursable via insurance - ABA therapy providers - FBAs are often the first step before starting ABA treatment - Can be conducted in natural environments (home, daycare, community) - Regional Centers - For individuals with qualifying developmental disabilities - May fund or coordinate FBAs through approved vendors **For Guidance:** [Disability Rights California](https://serr.disabilityrightsca.org/serr-manual/chapter-5-information-on-related-services/5-44-are-school-districts-required-to-conduct-a-functional-behavior-assessment-fba-and-develop-a-positive-behavior-intervention-plan-bip/) and the [Center for Parent Information and Resources](https://www.parentcenterhub.org/evaluation-2/) offer great resources and sample letters. San DiegoRiverside ****ABACUS**** **Contact:** (619) 786-0074 **Website:** [https://www.abacussd.com/services](https://www.abacussd.com/services) **Insurance:** - Anthem Blue Cross - Aetna - Blue Shield Promise - Community Health Group (CHG) - Health Net (MHN) - Blue Shield - Molina - San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) **Location:** 4204a Adams Avenue / San Diego, CA 92116 ****ABA Your Way**** **Contact:** (800) 724-7451 **Website:** [https://aba-yourway.com/therapy-services/life-skills/](https://aba-yourway.com/therapy-services/life-skills/) **Insurance:** Molina, CalOptima, Cigna, HealthNET, Tricare, Inland Empire Health Plan **Locations:** Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino and High Desert Counties ****Mindful Neuron Center**** **Contact:** (323) 638-7660 **Website:** [https://mindfulneuron.org/functional-behavior-assessment/](https://mindfulneuron.org/functional-behavior-assessment/) **Locations:** Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego Counties ****Verbal Behavior Association**** **Contact:** 858-699-7579 **Email:** [Info@VBACalifornia.com](mailto:Info@VBACalifornia.com) **Website:** [https://vbacalifornia.com/services/](https://vbacalifornia.com/services/) FBA services offered at school-based, home and community based. **Insurance:** - BlueShield (Private) - United Behavioral Health - AETNA (Medi-Cal and Private) - BlueShield of California Promise (Medi-Cal) - CHG - MHN - Molina - Optum ****San Diego Regional Center**** **Contact:** (858) 576-2996 **Website:** [https://www.sdrc.org/](https://www.sdrc.org/) ****ABA Your Way**** **Contact:** (800) 724-7451 **Website:** [https://aba-yourway.com/therapy-services/life-skills/](https://aba-yourway.com/therapy-services/life-skills/) **Insurance:** Molina, CalOptima, Cigna, HealthNET, Tricare, Inland Empire Health Plan **Locations:** Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino and High Desert Counties ****Mindful Neuron Center**** **Contact:** (323) 638-7660 **Website:** [https://mindfulneuron.org/functional-behavior-assessment/](https://mindfulneuron.org/functional-behavior-assessment/) **Locations:** Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego Counties ****Inland Regional Center**** **Contact:** (951) 826-2600 **Website:** [https://www.inlandrc.org/](https://www.inlandrc.org/) ****Verbal Behavior Association**** **Contact:** 858-699-7579 **Email:** [Info@VBACalifornia.com](mailto:Info@VBACalifornia.com) **Website:** [https://vbacalifornia.com/services/](https://vbacalifornia.com/services/) FBA services offered at school-based, home and community based. **Insurance:** - BlueShield (Private) - United Behavioral Health - AETNA (Medi-Cal and Private) - BlueShield of California Promise (Medi-Cal) - CHG - MHN - Molina - Optum ****Additional Reading**** [Managing Behavior at School: FBA and BIP](https://tacanow.org/family-resources/managing-behavior-at-school-fba-bip/) [Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Interventions: What Parents Need to Know](https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/discipl.fba.jordan.pdf) [Special Education: IEP Tips](https://tacanow.org/family-resources/special-education-iep-tips/) [Special Education Conflict Resolution: Mediation and Due Process](https://tacanow.org/family-resources/special-education-conflict-resolution-mediation-and-due-process/) Reviewed by ME, HB MD, Behavioral Health Committee, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.