When behaviours of concern begin affecting daily life, families and support teams often feel unsure about what is driving the behaviour or how to respond effectively.
Many people focus on stopping the behaviour itself. A functional behaviour assessment takes a different approach.
Instead of asking, “How do we stop this behaviour?”, the assessment asks, “What is this person trying to communicate?”
This shift matters.
A functional behaviour assessment helps behaviour support practitioners understand the reasons behind behaviours of concern so they can recommend safer, more supportive, and more person-centred strategies.
For NDIS participants, families, carers, and support coordinators, understanding how a functional behaviour assessment works helps reduce confusion and supports better long-term outcomes.
What Is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A functional behaviour assessment, often called an FBA, is a structured process used to understand why behaviours of concern occur.
The assessment explores:
• What happens before the behaviour
• The behaviour itself
• What happens after the behaviour
• Environmental influences
• Communication needs
• Emotional and sensory factors
• Daily routines and relationships
The goal is to identify the purpose or function of the behaviour.
Under the NDIS, a functional behaviour assessment often forms part of a Positive Behaviour Support assessment and helps guide the development of behaviour support plans.
Why Do Behaviours of Concern Happen?
Behaviours of concern often communicate unmet needs, stress, discomfort, frustration, or difficulties with communication.
Examples of behaviours of concern may include:
• Aggression
• Self-injury
• Verbal outbursts
• Property damage
• Social withdrawal
• Running away or absconding
• Unsafe repetitive behaviours
These behaviours rarely happen “for no reason”.
For example:
• A participant may become distressed in loud environments due to sensory overload
• A child may refuse tasks because communication feels overwhelming
• An adult participant may use repetitive behaviours to manage anxiety or uncertainty
A behaviour assessment through the NDIS focuses on understanding these underlying factors without judgement.
Why Functional Behaviour Assessments Matter
Without understanding the reason behind a behaviour, support strategies often become inconsistent or ineffective.
An FBA helps support teams move away from reactive responses and towards proactive support.
This matters because the right strategies often help participants:
• Feel safer and more understood
• Improve communication
• Reduce distress
• Build independence
• Increase participation in daily activities
• Improve relationships and routines
For families and carers, understanding why behaviours occur often reduces stress and uncertainty.
Who Completes a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A functional behaviour assessment is usually completed by a qualified behaviour support practitioner.
The practitioner often works collaboratively with:
• Families and carers
• Support coordinators
• Support workers
• Teachers and educators
• Psychologists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech pathologists
• Other allied health professionals
This team-based approach helps create a more accurate understanding of the participant’s experiences across different environments.
What Happens During a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
Each participant’s assessment process differs depending on their needs, communication style, environment, and goals.
Most assessments involve several key stages.
Information Gathering
The practitioner begins by gathering information about the participant’s daily life and support needs.
This may include discussions about:
• Daily routines
• Behaviour patterns
• Communication methods
• Medical history
• Mental health considerations
• Sensory preferences
• Social interactions
• Current supports and strategies
Families sometimes feel nervous during these conversations. The purpose is not to judge parenting or support approaches. The purpose is understanding what the participant experiences day to day.
Observations in Different Settings
The practitioner may observe the participant in different environments, including:
• Home
• School
• Community settings
• Supported accommodation
• Day programs
Observations help identify patterns linked to:
• Transitions
• Social situations
• Noise or sensory input
• Demands and expectations
• Changes in routine
• Communication challenges
For example, behaviours may increase during busy shopping trips, group activities, or unfamiliar transitions.
These patterns help guide support recommendations.
Identifying Behaviour Triggers
An important part of an FBA involves identifying triggers and contributing factors.
Triggers may include:
• Sensory overload
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Communication difficulties
• Pain or discomfort
• Environmental changes
• Social stress
• Unpredictable routines
Understanding triggers helps practitioners recommend preventative strategies rather than relying only on reactive responses.
Understanding the Function of Behaviour
The practitioner analyses information to identify the likely purpose of behaviours.
Behaviours may help a participant:
• Avoid overwhelming situations
• Gain attention or connection
• Access preferred activities or items
• Communicate discomfort or frustration
• Regulate emotions or sensory experiences
This understanding forms the foundation for Positive Behaviour Support strategies.
Developing Support Recommendations
After completing the assessment, the practitioner develops practical recommendations tailored to the participant’s needs.
Recommendations may include:
• Communication supports
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Visual routines
• Environmental adjustments
• Sensory supports
• Skill-building approaches
• Guidance for support teams
The focus remains on improving quality of life and reducing distress.
How Functional Behaviour Assessments Support Positive Behaviour Support
A functional behaviour assessment often informs a Positive Behaviour Support plan.
The PBS plan outlines practical strategies designed to support the participant safely and respectfully across different environments.
This may include:
• Preventative strategies
• Crisis response guidance if required
• Communication approaches
• Skill development
• Environmental supports
• Strategies for reducing restrictive practices
Person-centred care remains central throughout the process.
Understanding Restrictive Practices
Restrictive practices are interventions that limit a participant’s movement or rights.
Examples include:
• Physical restraint
• Seclusion
• Restricting access to items
• Chemical restraint
Under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, restrictive practices must follow strict legal and ethical requirements.
Functional behaviour assessments help identify proactive alternatives that reduce the need for restrictive practices wherever possible.
When Should Someone Have a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
An FBA may help when:
• Behaviours affect safety or wellbeing
• Daily routines become difficult to manage
• Communication barriers increase frustration
• Support teams struggle with consistency
• Restrictive practices are being used
• School or community participation becomes difficult
• Families feel overwhelmed or unsupported
Seeking support early often helps reduce long-term stress and improve consistency across support environments.
Common Questions About Functional Behaviour Assessments
Is an FBA only for children?
No. Functional behaviour assessments support children, adolescents, and adults.
Does the NDIS fund functional behaviour assessments?
Many participants access assessments through Capacity Building supports within their NDIS plans.
Will the assessment blame families?
No. Positive Behaviour Support uses a collaborative and respectful approach focused on understanding the participant’s needs.
Are telehealth assessments available?
Some providers offer telehealth support for regional and remote participants where appropriate.
How long does an FBA take?
Assessment timeframes vary depending on the participant’s needs, support environments, and complexity of behaviours.
Myth vs Fact About Functional Behaviour Assessments
Myth: Behaviour assessments focus on punishment
Fact: Functional behaviour assessments focus on understanding behaviour and improving quality of life.
Myth: Behaviours happen without reason
Fact: Behaviours often communicate unmet needs, distress, or difficulties with communication and regulation.
Myth: Behaviour support only helps during crisis situations
Fact: Early intervention and proactive support often improve long-term outcomes.
How Arise Allied Health Supports Participants and Families
Arise Allied Health provides evidence-based and person-centred Positive Behaviour Support services for NDIS participants across Australia.
Functional behaviour assessments help practitioners understand participant needs while supporting families and care teams with practical and compassionate guidance.
Participants and support networks may also benefit from:
• Positive Behaviour Support services
• Psychology services
• Functional and behavioural assessments
• Therapeutic supports
• Telehealth services
• NDIS allied health support
This collaborative approach helps improve consistency across home, school, work, and community settings.
Final Thoughts
A functional behaviour assessment helps families, carers, and support teams better understand behaviours of concern and the factors influencing them.
The process focuses on dignity, communication, wellbeing, and practical support strategies tailored to the participant’s needs.
For many participants and families, understanding the reason behind behaviours creates opportunities for safer, more supportive, and more meaningful daily experiences.
Arise Allied Health works alongside participants and support networks to provide compassionate and evidence-based Positive Behaviour Support tailored to individual goals and circumstances.