A structured look at why challenging behaviors are happening, so the treatment plan addresses the actual cause, not just the symptom. Every Southcrest ABA program starts with an FBA. We also do standalone FBAs when families need an answer before committing to a full program.
A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a structured clinical process where a BCBA gathers data on a specific challenging behavior (or set of behaviors) to figure out why it's happening. The why matters. The same behavior can be driven by different causes in different kids, and the treatment looks different depending on the cause.
An FBA uses direct observation, structured interviews with you, and (when appropriate) brief experiments to identify the function of the behavior. Common functions include: getting attention, escaping a demand, accessing something tangible (a toy, a snack), or sensory regulation.
Once we know the function, the treatment plan can actually work. If your child's hitting is driven by escape, a punishment-based plan won't help (and might make it worse). A function-matched plan teaches your child what to do instead and removes the reinforcement that's been maintaining the hitting.
Most FBAs take two to four weeks from start to written report. Your BCBA does an initial parent interview, multiple direct observations in the settings where the behavior happens (usually home, sometimes school), and a structured data-collection period.
The result is a written report that names the behavior, identifies the likely function, and recommends a treatment plan. We walk you through it in plain English, not jargon.
Call (843) 343-3576 or use the form below. We usually call back within an hour or two.
Most families move through these four steps in three to six weeks.
A real person picks up. We hear about your child and explain what's possible. No sales pitch.
Same day. We run your benefits and tell you exactly what's covered before you commit.
Your BCBA meets your child at home (or by telehealth) and builds the treatment plan.
Your RBT starts sessions. Your BCBA supervises and adjusts the plan as your child grows.
When the plan matches the function of the behavior, it works. When it doesn't, it doesn't.
If your child's school is developing a Behavior Intervention Plan, an FBA from an outside BCBA can be the difference between a working plan and a stuck one.
We do FBAs as a starting point for ongoing ABA or as a one-time assessment for families who need clarity.
FBA is a standard, billable ABA service. SC Medicaid, TRICARE, and most private insurance cover it.
Related services: Behavior Reduction · In-Home ABA · In-School ABA
No. Some families do an FBA as a one-time piece, especially if the goal is to inform the school's behavior plan or to get clarity on what's happening. If you decide to start ongoing ABA, we can roll directly into it. If not, the FBA report is yours to use.
Two to four weeks is typical from start to finished report. It depends on how often the behavior happens (less frequent = more observation time needed) and how many settings we need to observe in.
Yes, generally. South Carolina IEP teams accept outside FBAs from licensed BCBAs. We write reports in a format that the school can use directly when building their Behavior Intervention Plan.
In-home statewide. From Goose Creek out to the corners of SC.
View all service areasFill out this quick form and we'll get back to you within an hour or two. No call center, no pressure.
We'll get back to you within a few hours.
🔒 Your information is secure and will never be shared.
