Functional-Assessment-Based Behavior Support Planning: Research to Practice to Research

Research in applied behavior analysis has shaped an important technology, called functional assessment, for understanding the relationship between problem behavior and environmental events and factors. From this understanding, effective and relevant behavioral interventions have emerged. However, given the dramatic increase in the need to conduct functional assessments, efforts must focus on translating what we have learned from this research into formats and processes that can be used efficiently in applied settings. In addition, research must continue to build a technology of functional assessment that meets the full range of situations faced in our schools, homes, and communities.