2. Comprehensive Functional Assessment Part I: Behavior in Context

Part I introduces the Comprehensive Functional Assessment (CFA) as a systematic, nonlinear process for developing a rich behavioral and contextual understanding of the person. Participants learn multiple methods of assessment and how to define and measure behavior with sufficient precision for meaningful analysis. Particular attention is given to the history and course of behavior, antecedent and setting-event variables, and the physical, interpersonal, programmatic, and other contextual conditions that may influence behavior.  (Prerequisite: Module 1)

Key training topics

·      Comprehensive Functional Assessment

·      Direct and indirect assessment methods

·      Records review and interviews

·      Direct observation and interaction

·      Operational behavioral description and topography

·      Measurement criteria and recording cycles

·      Occurrence, course, and progression of behavior

·      Behavioral precursors

·      Episodic severity and quality-of-life effects

·      History of behavior

·      Setting events

·      Internal, external, and cognitive antecedents

·      Antecedent analysis

·      Contextual and ecological variables

·      Reliable data collection

3. Comprehensive Functional Assessment Part II: Function & Meaning

Part II moves from description and context to functional analysis and synthesis. Participants examine consequence environments, motivational variables, ecological influences, and patterns across assessment information to develop defensible hypotheses about the function and meaning of behavior. Emphasis is placed on moving beyond topography to understand behavior from the person’s perspective and using that analysis to guide individualized support. (Prerequisite: Module 1 & 2)

Key training topics

·      Consequence analysis

·      Maintaining reinforcers

·      Reactions that resolve behavior

·      Previous intervention effects

·      Internal, external, and cognitive consequence environments

·      Motivational analysis

·      Mediator analysis

·      Ecological analysis

·      Person-centered functions of behavior

·      Analysis of function and meaning

·      The inferential leap

·      Nonlinear assessment synthesis

·      Hypothesis development

·      Linking assessment findings to support recommendations