How should problem behavior be described in an FBA?

Describing problem behavior through concrete, specific statements is essential in a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) because it provides clarity and precision about the behavior being analyzed. Specific descriptions allow educators and specialists to identify exactly what the behavior entails, understand its context, and develop appropriate interventions. For instance, instead of saying a student is being disruptive, a specific description would detail the behaviors, such as "the student raised his hand repeatedly during the lesson but did not wait to be called on."

Concrete statements help in several ways: they assist in collecting reliable data, enable the identification of triggers and patterns, and facilitate communication among team members involved in the student’s education. This clarity is critical for designing interventions that effectively address the underlying issues contributing to the problem behavior.

By utilizing a specific and concrete approach, the FBA becomes a more systematic tool that leads to actionable insights and ultimately supports the development of tailored intervention strategies for the individual student.